Revelation 1:15

Authorized King James Version

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πόδες
G4228
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#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
ὅμοιοι
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#6
χαλκολιβάνῳ
G5474
unto fine brass
burnished copper, an alloy of copper (or gold) and silver having a brilliant lustre
#7
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#8
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
καμίνῳ
G2575
a furnace
a furnace
#10
πεπυρωμένοι·
G4448
if they burned
to kindle, i.e., (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust)
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
φωνὴ
G5456
the sound
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#14
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
#15
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#16
φωνὴ
G5456
the sound
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#17
ὑδάτων
G5204
waters
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#18
πολλῶν
G4183
of many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

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 brass, as if they burned 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