Bible Commentaries
Revelation 19

Verse 1

Hallelujah [αλληλουια] . Hebrew. Praise ye the Lord. Only in Revelation and in this chapter. Fifteen of the Psalms either begin or end with this word. The Jewish anthem of praise (Psalm 104 - 109), sung chiefly at the feasts of the Passover and of Tabernacles, derived its title of the Great Hallel from the frequent use of that phrase.

Honor. Omit. On the doxologies in Revelation, see on ch. Revelation 1:6.

Verse 2

True [αληθιναι] . See on John 1:9.

Did corrupt [εφθειρεν] . The imperfect tense denoting habit. Avenged [εξεδικησεν] . Exacted vengeance from [εξ] .

At her hand [εκ] . Lit., "from her hand." See on ch. Revelation 2:7; Revelation 18:20.

Verse 3

Her smoke, etc. Compare Isaiah 34:10.

Verse 5

All ye His servants - small and great. Compare Psalms 114:13; Psalms 134:1.

Verse 7

The marriage of the Lamb. For the figure, compare Isaiah 54:1-8; Ezekiel 16:7-14; Hosea 2:19; Matthew 9:15; John 3:29; Ephesians 5:25.

Verse 8

Fine linen [βυσσινον] . See on Luke 16:19. The four vestments of the ordinary Jewish priest were made of linen or byssus. Their symbolic meaning depended in part on the whiteness and luster of their substance [καθαρον και λαμπρον πυρε ανδ βριγητ] .

Righteousness [δικαιωματα] . More strictly, as Rev. righteous acts.

Verse 10

See thou do it not [ορα μη] . See not (to do it).

The testimony of Jesus [η μαρτυρια του ιησου] . Some explain as the testimony which proceeds from Jesus. Jesus, by imparting this testimony to believers imparts to them the spirit of prophecy. Others, the witness which is born to Jesus. The way of bearing this witness, the substance and essence of this testimony is the Spirit of prophecy.

Verse 11

A white horse. Compare ch. 6 2.

Verse 12

Crowns [διαδηματα] . See on 1 Peter 5:4; James 1:12.

Verse 13

Dipped [βεβαμμενον] . The readings differ; some giving rJerantismenon sprinkled, others perirerammenon sprinkled round. Rev., sprinkled. Compare Isaiah 63:2, Isaiah 63:3.

The Word of God [ο λογος του θεου] . This name for our Lord is found in the New Testament only in the writings of John. It is one of the links which connects Revelation with John's other writings. Compare John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1. Some object to this on the ground that, in the Gospel of John, the term is used absolutely, the Word, whereas here it is qualified, the Word of God, which the Evangelist nowhere employs, and in 1 John 1:1, the Word of life. But, as Alford observes : "It may be left to any fair - judging reader to decide whether it be not a far greater argument for identity that the remarkable designation oJ Logov the Word is used, than for diversity, that, on the solemn occasion described in the Apocalypse, the hitherto unheard adjunct of God is added." The idea of God which is represented here, underlies the absolute term the Word in John 1:1. It is further urged that in the Gospel oJ Logov is applied to the prehistoric Christ, while in this passage it is applied to the historic Christ. But the Dame of the historic Christ is that referred to in ver. 12, not in ver. 13. It is the name "which no one knoweth but He Himself," expressing the character of His whole redeeming work. The name in ver. 13 is that which belongs originally and essentially to Him.

Verse 14

Followed [ηκολουθει] . Note the imperfect tense denoting progression, and thus describing the advancing movement of the host.

Verse 15

Sword. See on ch. Revelation 1:16.

Smite [πατασση] . See on ch. Revelation 11:6.

Shall rule [ποιμανει] . See on ch. Revelation 2:27.

Wine - press. See on ch. Revelation 14:19.

Of the fierceness and wrath [του θυμου και της οργης] . Omit and, and render, as Rev., the fierceness of the wrath. See on John 3:36. Of Almighty God [του θεου του παντοκρατορος] . Lit., of God the all - ruler. See on ch. Revelation 1:8.

Verse 16

On His thigh. Some explain, on the garment where it covers the thigh to which the sword is bound. Compare Psalms 45:3. Others, partly on the vesture, partly on the thigh itself, where, in an equestrian figure, the robe drops from the thigh. According to the former explanation kai and is to be taken as explanatory or definitive of the words on His vesture. Others again suppose a sword on the hilt of which the name is inscribed. Expositors refer to the custom of engraving the artist's name on the thigh of a statue. Thus Cicero says : "A most beautiful statue of Apollo, on the thigh of which the name of Myron had been graven in tiny letters of silver" (" Against Verres, "4, 43). Herodotus describes a figure of Sesostris, bearing across the breast from shoulder to shoulder the inscription written in the sacred character of Egypt :" With my own shoulders I conquered this land " (ii., 106). Rawlinson says that Assyrian figures are found with arrow - headed inscriptions engraved across them, and over the drapery as well as the body.

Verse 17

An angel [ενα αγγελον] . Lit., "one angel." Fowls [ορνεοις] . See on ch. Revelation 18:2. Rev., birds.

Midst of heaven. See on ch. Revelation 8:13.

Gather yourselves together [συναγεσθε] . The best texts read sunacqhte be gathered together, as Rev. Compare Ezekiel 39:17 sqq. The supper of the great God [το δειπνον του μεγαλου θεου] . Read to mega tou for tou megalou, and render the great supper of God.

Verse 18

Captains [χιλιαρχων] . See on Mark 6:21; Luke 7:2.

Verse 20

Was taken [επιασθη] . See on Acts 3:7.

Mark. See on ch. Revelation 13:16.

Lake [λιμνην] . See on Luke 5:1.

Brimstone. See on ch. Revelation 14:10.

Verse 21

Were filled [εχορτασθησαν] . See on Matthew 5:6.