King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:15 Mean?

Revelation 19:15 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 19:15 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

17

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 19:15 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 · 37 words
καὶ1 of 37

And

G2532

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

ἐκ2 of 37

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ3 of 37
G3588

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

στόματος4 of 37

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

αὐτὸς5 of 37

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

ἐκπορεύεται6 of 37

goeth

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ῥομφαία7 of 37

sword

G4501

a sabre, i.e., a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively)

ὀξεῖα8 of 37

a sharp

G3691

keen; by analogy, rapid

ἵνα9 of 37

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν10 of 37

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτὸς11 of 37

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

πατάσσῃ12 of 37

he should smite

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

τὰ13 of 37
G3588

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

ἔθνη14 of 37

the nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

καὶ15 of 37

And

G2532

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

αὐτὸς16 of 37

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

ποιμανεῖ17 of 37

he shall rule

G4165

to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)

αὐτὸς18 of 37

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

ἐν19 of 37

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ῥάβδῳ20 of 37

a rod

G4464

a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)

σιδηρᾷ21 of 37

of iron

G4603

made of iron

καὶ22 of 37

And

G2532

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

αὐτὸς23 of 37

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

πατεῖ24 of 37

he treadeth

G3961

to trample (literally or figuratively)

τὴν25 of 37
G3588

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

ληνὸν26 of 37

the winepress

G3025

a trough, i.e., wine-vat

τοῦ27 of 37
G3588

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

οἴνου28 of 37
G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ29 of 37
G3588

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

θυμοῦ30 of 37

of the fierceness

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

καὶ31 of 37

And

G2532

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

τῆς32 of 37
G3588

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

ὀργῆς33 of 37

wrath

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

τοῦ34 of 37
G3588

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

θεοῦ35 of 37

God

G2316

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

τοῦ36 of 37
G3588

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

παντοκράτορος37 of 37

of Almighty

G3841

the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)


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 19:15 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 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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