King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:21 Mean?

Revelation 19:21 in the King James Version says “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and al...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”

Revelation 19:21 · King James Version


Context

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.

20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.... 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 19:21 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 · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

“And”

G2532

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

τῶν2 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

λοιποὶ3 of 27

“the remnant”

G3062

remaining ones

ἀπεκτάνθησαν4 of 27

“were slain”

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

ἐν5 of 27

“with”

G1722

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

τῶν6 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

ῥομφαίᾳ7 of 27

“the sword”

G4501

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

τῶν8 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

καθημένου9 of 27

“of him that sat”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ10 of 27

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν11 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

ἵππου12 of 27

“the horse”

G2462

a horse

τῶν13 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

ἐκπορευομένῃ14 of 27

“sword proceeded”

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ἐκ15 of 27

“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

τῶν16 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

στόματος17 of 27

“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

αὐτῶν18 of 27

“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

καὶ19 of 27

“And”

G2532

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

πάντα20 of 27

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν21 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

ὄρνεα22 of 27

“the fowls”

G3732

a birdling

ἐχορτάσθησαν23 of 27

“were filled”

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

ἐκ24 of 27

“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

τῶν25 of 27

“which”

G3588

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

σαρκῶν26 of 27

“flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

αὐτῶν27 of 27

“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


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 19:21 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 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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