Revelation 19:15
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 37
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
mouth
G4750
στόματος
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
4 of 37
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
αὐτὸς
his
G846
αὐτὸς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 37
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
ῥομφαία
sword
G4501
ῥομφαία
sword
Strong's:
G4501
Word #:
7 of 37
a sabre, i.e., a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively)
αὐτὸς
his
G846
αὐτὸς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 37
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
πατάσσῃ
he should smite
G3960
πατάσσῃ
he should smite
Strong's:
G3960
Word #:
12 of 37
to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
the nations
G1484
ἔθνη
the nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
14 of 37
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
his
G846
αὐτὸς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 37
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
ποιμανεῖ
he shall rule
G4165
ποιμανεῖ
he shall rule
Strong's:
G4165
Word #:
17 of 37
to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)
αὐτὸς
his
G846
αὐτὸς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 37
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
ῥάβδῳ
a rod
G4464
ῥάβδῳ
a rod
Strong's:
G4464
Word #:
20 of 37
a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
his
G846
αὐτὸς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 37
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
31 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργῆς
wrath
G3709
ὀργῆς
wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
33 of 37
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
34 of 37
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
35 of 37
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Revelation 1:16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.Revelation 2:27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.Psalms 2:9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.2 Thessalonians 2:8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Revelation 19:21And 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.Revelation 12:5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.Revelation 2:16Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.Revelation 2:12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;Isaiah 30:33For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.
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 19:15 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 out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God... 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.