Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔμπροσθεν
at
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
at
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
3 of 39
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 39
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
προσκύνησον
to worship
G4352
προσκύνησον
to worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
7 of 39
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 39
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he said
G3004
λέγει
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 39
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὅρα
See
G3708
Ὅρα
See
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
12 of 39
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μή·
thou do it not
G3361
μή·
thou do it not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 39
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σύνδουλός
fellowservant
G4889
σύνδουλός
fellowservant
Strong's:
G4889
Word #:
14 of 39
a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
G80
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
19 of 39
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχόντων
that have
G2192
ἐχόντων
that have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
22 of 39
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυρία
the testimony
G3141
μαρτυρία
the testimony
Strong's:
G3141
Word #:
24 of 39
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
26 of 39
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
28 of 39
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
προσκύνησον
to worship
G4352
προσκύνησον
to worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
29 of 39
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
31 of 39
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μαρτυρία
the testimony
G3141
μαρτυρία
the testimony
Strong's:
G3141
Word #:
32 of 39
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
33 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
34 of 39
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
36 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
37 of 39
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.Revelation 4:10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Revelation 12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.Revelation 12:17And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:1 John 5:10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.Exodus 34:14For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 19:10 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is... This verse from Revelation's vision of hallelujah chorus, marriage supper, christ's return - final victory, word of god rides forth employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.