What does Revelation 1:7 mean?

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7

Explanation

Revelation 1:7 speaks to the Second Coming of Christ, a fundamental belief in Christian eschatology. The verse paints a vivid picture of Jesus returning triumphantly, accompanied by clouds, which is often interpreted as a symbol of glory and divine presence. “Every eye shall see him” conveys the universality of this event, suggesting that it will be witnessed by all humanity. The phrase “they also which pierced him” refers to those responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion, which can be taken literally as the Roman soldiers and the Jewish leaders who called for his death, but more broadly represents all of humanity since his death is seen as atonement for the sins of all.

The mention of “all kindreds of the earth” further emphasizes the global nature of this event, with “wail because of him” possibly indicating remorse or despair at not having acknowledged him before. The final affirmation, “Even so, Amen,” signifies agreement and truth, underscoring the inevitability and divine sanction of the prophecy.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, which is traditionally ascribed to John of Patmos and is thought to have been written in the late first century AD during a time of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Revelation is a prophetic book filled with apocalyptic imagery and symbolism, meant to offer hope to Christians suffering persecution by promising Christ’s eventual triumph over evil.

Theological Insights

The Second Coming is a cornerstone of Christian theology, and interpretations vary among denominations. Premillennialists believe Jesus’ return will begin a thousand-year reign, while postmillennialists think Christ will return after a period of peace brought about by the church’s influence. Amillennialists view the millennium symbolically and believe Christ’s reign is spiritual rather than temporal. This verse supports a premillennial view with its vivid description of Christ’s return as a visible event to all.

Practical Applications

This verse serves to comfort and encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite trials, with the understanding that Jesus’ return will restore justice and rectify wrongs. It also serves as a call to evangelism, urging Christians to live righteously and spread the Gospel so that others may be ready for Christ’s return.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:30: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
• Zechariah 12:10: “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”
• Acts 1:9-11: “…he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight… this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek that require attention are:

• “Cometh with clouds” (ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν): “Cometh” (ἔρχεται) is a present participle, indicating an ongoing action, and “clouds” (νεφελῶν) can symbolize divine presence.
• “Every eye” (πᾶς ὀφθαλμός): “Every” (πᾶς) is all-encompassing, and “eye” (ὀφθαλμός) signifies not just physical sight but also understanding.
• “Wail” (κόψονται): This verb implies mourning or lamentation, indicating profound emotional response.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, deities were often associated with the sky and clouds, indicating power and transcendence. For example, Zeus in Greek mythology was known as the god of the sky, and he often appeared with clouds. The imagery of divine figures riding or being shrouded in clouds is common in various religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the imagery of Jesus returning “with clouds” could be interpreted metaphorically, as modern understanding views clouds as collections of water droplets or ice crystals. However, the verse is not making a meteorological statement but rather a theological one, using the common language and understanding of the time to convey a divine event.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations. Some see this verse as a vivid affirmation of Jesus’ final victory and a call to faithfulness. Others emphasize its apocalyptic context and symbolism, cautioning against a literalistic reading. Most agree on its function as a source of hope and its reinforcement of the certainty of Christ’s return as a key doctrine in Christianity.