New Testament
Revelation 10:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So I went to the angel and said to him, 'Give me the small scroll.' He said, 'Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'
Compare translations
And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
What Revelation 10:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 10:9, John approaches an angel and requests a small scroll. The angel instructs him to eat it, indicating that while it will taste sweet in his mouth, it will turn bitter in his stomach. This imagery symbolizes the dual nature of God's message. The sweetness represents the joy and hope found in God's promises, while the bitterness signifies the challenges and hardships that often accompany the fulfillment of those promises. This passage highlights the complexity of receiving divine revelation; it can bring both comfort and discomfort. Believers are reminded that understanding God's word may lead to both joy and trials, reflecting the reality of faith in a fallen world. The act of eating the scroll also suggests internalizing God's message, making it a part of oneself, which is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
How to apply Revelation 10:9 to your life
When faced with God's word, be prepared for both its sweetness and its challenges. Embrace the joy of His promises while acknowledging the difficulties that may arise. This balance can strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of God's purpose in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 10:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 10:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 10:9 mean?
Revelation 10:9 describes John receiving a small scroll from an angel, which he is instructed to eat. The sweetness in his mouth symbolizes the joy of God's message, while the bitterness in his stomach represents the hardships that can come with it.
What is the significance of eating the scroll in Revelation 10:9?
Eating the scroll in Revelation 10:9 symbolizes internalizing God's message. It emphasizes that understanding and accepting divine revelation can bring both joy and challenges, reflecting the complexities of faith.
What does the sweetness and bitterness represent in Revelation 10:9?
In Revelation 10:9, the sweetness represents the joy and hope found in God's promises, while the bitterness signifies the difficulties and trials that often accompany those promises.
How can Revelation 10:9 apply to my life?
Revelation 10:9 encourages believers to embrace both the joy of God's promises and the challenges that may arise. This balance can help strengthen faith and deepen understanding of God's purpose.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.