What does Revelation 19:13 mean?

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:13

Explanation

The verse Revelation 19:13 appears in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, in the final book known as Revelation, which is often attributed to John the Apostle. This particular verse depicts a figure who is commonly understood to be Jesus Christ at His second coming. The phrase “clothed with a vesture dipped in blood” is interpreted by many scholars as representing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, His crucifixion, and the redemption of humanity through His blood. His name, “The Word of God,” signifies the identification of Jesus with the divine Word (Logos) as introduced in the Gospel of John 1:1, implying the embodiment of divine truth and revelation.

Historical Context

Revelation was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D., during a period of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Theologians historically have debated the author’s identity, but traditionally it is ascribed to John the Apostle. The book’s imagery and language are steeped in Jewish apocalyptic traditions and serve to convey hope and encouragement to the persecuted Christian community by presenting a vision of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted from various perspectives:

• In evangelical thought, it symbolizes the fulfillment of biblical prophecies regarding the second coming of Christ and the final judgment.
• From a more historical-critical standpoint, some scholars see the vivid imagery as symbolic representations of the spiritual victory over evil.
• Catholic teaching emphasizes the centrality of Christ as the Logos and His role in salvation history, as reflected in this verse.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, believers can draw strength from Revelation 19:13 in several ways:

• It offers reassurance that justice and righteousness will ultimately prevail.
• The verse inspires faith in the power of sacrificial love, as embodied by Jesus.
• For many, it acts as a call to witness to the transformative truth of the gospel in their lives.

Cross-References

• John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Isaiah 63:2-3 – “Why art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?”
• Hebrews 9:22 – “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text:

• The term for “clothed” (περιβεβλημένος, peribeblēmenos) conveys a sense of being wrapped or enveloped in something.
• “Vesture” (ἱμάτιον, himation) refers to a garment or piece of clothing.
• “Dipped” (βεβαμμένον, bebammenon) suggests immersion or saturation.
• “Blood” (αἷμα, haima) carries the deep biblical meaning of life and sacrificial atonement.
• “Word of God” (Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ, Logos tou Theou) denotes the divine expression and revelation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient myths that often include gods dying and resurrecting as part of a cycle of renewal and redemption (e.g., the stories of Osiris in Egyptian myth, Dionysus in Greek culture), Christian narrative uniquely centers this process in the historical event of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the verse does not directly intersect with empirical studies but can be viewed within the broader discussion of how religious belief and theology interplay with scientific understandings of the world.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a range of interpretations:

• Many agree that the “vesture dipped in blood” symbolizes Jesus’ sacrificial death.
• There’s debate over whether the “blood” represents Jesus’ own sacrifice or the blood of His enemies defeated in battle.
• The title “The Word of God” is widely recognized as linking Jesus to the divine message and purpose, asserting His identity and mission.