New Testament
Revelation 19:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 19:17, an angel is depicted standing in the sun, a powerful symbol of authority and light.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he shouted to all the birds flying in the sky, 'Come, gather together for the supper of the great God!'
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;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 19:17, an angel is depicted standing in the sun, a powerful symbol of authority and light. The angel calls out to the birds in the sky, inviting them to gather for a significant event referred to as the 'supper of the great God.' This imagery suggests a divine judgment where the birds will feast on the remains of those defeated in battle against God. The 'supper' symbolizes the ultimate victory of God over evil, showcasing His power and sovereignty. This scene emphasizes the seriousness of God's judgment and the finality of His decisions. The gathering of birds serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God, illustrating the fate that awaits those who oppose Him. The angel's loud proclamation signifies the urgency and importance of this event, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of Revelation, where God's justice is fully realized and His glory is revealed to all creation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 19:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our choices and the ultimate authority of God. It encourages us to reflect on our lives and align ourselves with God's will, understanding that there are consequences for opposing Him. Living righteously is essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 19:17 mean?
Revelation 19:17 describes an angel calling birds to gather for a feast, symbolizing divine judgment. It signifies God's ultimate victory over evil and the consequences for those who oppose Him.
What is the significance of the 'supper of the great God' in Revelation 19:17?
The 'supper of the great God' represents a moment of judgment where defeated enemies of God are symbolically consumed by birds. It highlights God's sovereignty and the finality of His decisions.
Who is the angel in Revelation 19:17?
The angel in Revelation 19:17 symbolizes authority and serves as a messenger of God's judgment. His position standing in the sun emphasizes the power and clarity of the message he delivers.
What do the birds represent in Revelation 19:17?
In Revelation 19:17, the birds represent the agents of divine judgment, feasting on the remains of those defeated in battle against God. They symbolize the consequences of rebellion against God's authority.
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.
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