King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:17 Mean?

Revelation 19:17 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

Revelation 19:17 · KJV

Context

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;

18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

19

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Read Revelation 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;... 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 19:17 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 · 29 words
Καὶ1 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

εἶδον2 of 29

“I saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἕνα3 of 29

“an”

G1520

one

ἄγγελον4 of 29

“angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἑστῶτα5 of 29

“standing”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐν6 of 29

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ7 of 29
G3588

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

ἡλίῳ8 of 29

“the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

Καὶ9 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

ἔκραξεν10 of 29

“he cried”

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

φωνῇ11 of 29

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλου12 of 29

“of the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

λέγων13 of 29

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πᾶσιν14 of 29

“to all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς15 of 29
G3588

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

ὀρνέοις16 of 29

“the fowls”

G3732

a birdling

τοῖς17 of 29
G3588

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

πετωμένοις18 of 29

“that fly”

G4072

to fly

ἐν19 of 29

“in”

G1722

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

μεσουρανήματι,20 of 29

“the midst of heaven”

G3321

mid-sky

Δεῦτε21 of 29

“Come”

G1205

come hither!

Καὶ22 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

συνάγεσθε23 of 29

“gather yourselves together”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

εἰς24 of 29

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ25 of 29
G3588

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

δεῖπνον26 of 29

“the supper”

G1173

dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)

τοῦ27 of 29
G3588

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

μεγάλου28 of 29

“of the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

θεοῦ29 of 29

“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 19:17 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 19:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:21Revelation 8:13Jeremiah 12:9Ezekiel 39:17-20Isaiah 34:1-8Isaiah 56:9

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 19 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes