King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:13 Mean?

Revelation 19:13 in the King James Version says “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”

Revelation 19:13 · KJV

Context

11

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

14

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Read Revelation 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.... This verse from Revelation's vision of hallelujah chorus, marriage supper, christ's return - final victory, word of god rides forth employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 19:13 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιβεβλημένος2 of 14

“he was clothed”

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

ἱμάτιον3 of 14

“with a vesture”

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

βεβαμμένον4 of 14

“dipped”

G911

to whelm, i.e., cover wholly with a fluid; in the new testament only in a qualified or special sense, i.e., (literally) to moisten (a part of one's pe

αἵματι5 of 14

“in blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

καὶ6 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καλεῖται7 of 14

“is called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

τὸ8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα9 of 14

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ10 of 14

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ11 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος12 of 14

“The Word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ13 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ14 of 14

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 19:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:1Isaiah 63:1-6John 1:14Psalms 58:10Revelation 14:201 John 1:1

Test Your Knowledge

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