New Testament

Revelation 10:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 10:2, an angel is depicted holding a small open scroll, symbolizing a message or revelation from God.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

He held a small open scroll in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth.

KJVKing James Version

And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 10:2, an angel is depicted holding a small open scroll, symbolizing a message or revelation from God. The act of placing one foot on the sea and the other on the earth signifies authority over both realms, indicating that the message contained in the scroll is universal and applies to all creation. The scroll being open suggests that the contents are meant to be revealed and understood, emphasizing the importance of the message. This imagery conveys the idea that God's plans encompass all of humanity and the natural world, and that His authority extends over everything. The angel's posture also suggests a moment of proclamation, as if he is about to announce something significant. This scene invites readers to pay attention to the unfolding events in the book of Revelation, as they are part of God's ultimate plan for the world.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 10:2 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize God's authority over our lives and the world around us. It reminds us to be attentive to His messages and revelations, understanding that they are meant for our guidance and growth. We should seek to align our lives with His will and purpose.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 10:2 mean?

Revelation 10:2 describes an angel holding a small open scroll, symbolizing a divine message. The angel's stance, with one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, signifies God's authority over all creation and the universal relevance of the message contained in the scroll.

What is the significance of the scroll in Revelation 10:2?

The scroll in Revelation 10:2 represents a message from God that is meant to be revealed and understood. Its open state indicates that the contents are accessible and important for all of humanity, emphasizing God's plans for the world.

What does the angel's posture in Revelation 10:2 signify?

The angel's posture, with one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, signifies his authority over both realms. This imagery suggests a moment of proclamation, indicating that the message he carries is significant and relevant to all creation.

How does Revelation 10:2 relate to God's authority?

Revelation 10:2 illustrates God's sovereignty by showing an angel with authority over the sea and the earth. This emphasizes that God's message and plans encompass all aspects of life and creation.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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