Revelation 1:14

Authorized King James Version

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
His
but, and, etc
#3
κεφαλὴ
G2776
head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
τρίχες
G2359
his hairs
of uncertain derivation; hair
#8
λευκόν
G3022
as white
white
#9
ὡσει
G5616
like
as if
#10
ἔριον
G2053
wool
wool
#11
λευκόν
G3022
as white
white
#12
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#13
χιών
G5510
snow
snow
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ὀφθαλμοὶ
G3788
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#17
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#18
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#19
φλὸξ
G5395
a flame
a blaze
#20
πυρός
G4442
of fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

Analysis

This verse is part of John's apocalyptic vision of the glorified Christ. The symbolism connects to Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly from Daniel and Ezekiel, while revealing Christ's divine nature and authority. The imagery of white like wool, as contributes to the overall majestic portrayal.

Historical Context

Written during a time of imperial persecution under Domitian, this vision would have encouraged believers to remain faithful despite opposition. The apocalyptic imagery draws on Jewish prophetic traditions while speaking to the specific challenges faced by first-century Christians in Asia Minor.

Questions for Reflection