New Testament

Revelation 19:21

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 19:21, the imagery depicts a final battle where the forces opposing God are defeated.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

The rest were killed by the sword that came from the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 19:21, the imagery depicts a final battle where the forces opposing God are defeated. The 'rider on the horse' symbolizes Christ, who wields a sword that represents His powerful word or judgment. This sword is not a physical weapon but signifies the authority and truth that comes from His mouth. The 'remnant' refers to those who survived the initial onslaught but ultimately face judgment. The mention of birds gorging on their flesh illustrates the totality of their defeat and serves as a stark warning about the consequences of rebellion against God. This passage emphasizes the ultimate victory of Christ over evil and the fate of those who oppose Him. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of spiritual warfare and the importance of aligning oneself with God's will.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 19:21 to your life

This verse encourages believers to recognize the power of God's word in their lives. It serves as a reminder to stay aligned with God's will and to be aware of the spiritual battles we face. Trusting in Christ's authority can provide strength and guidance in difficult times.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 19:21 mean?

Revelation 19:21 describes a final battle where Christ defeats His enemies with the sword that symbolizes His authority and judgment. The verse illustrates the total defeat of those who oppose God and emphasizes the consequences of rebellion against Him.

What is the significance of the 'rider on the horse' in Revelation 19:21?

The 'rider on the horse' represents Christ, who comes to judge and defeat evil. His sword, which comes from His mouth, signifies the power of His word and authority in executing divine judgment.

What does the term 'remnant' refer to in Revelation 19:21?

In this verse, 'remnant' refers to those who survived the initial conflict but ultimately face judgment. It highlights the fate of those who oppose God, showing that there is no escape from His justice.

What does the imagery of birds gorging on flesh mean in Revelation 19:21?

The imagery of birds gorging on flesh symbolizes the complete defeat and destruction of God's enemies. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of rebellion against God and the finality of His judgment.

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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