What does Revelation 19:21 mean?

And 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 19:21

Explanation

Revelation 19:21 details the culmination of a divine judgment scene that is part of the larger vision of the Apostle John. This verse comes at the end of a celestial battle described in Revelation 19:11-21, where the forces of good, led by a figure called the “Word of God” riding a white horse, defeat the forces of evil. The rider on the horse is often interpreted as a representation of Jesus Christ, and the sword proceeding from his mouth symbolizes the power of His word to judge and defeat evil. The remnant refers to those left from the armies opposing the rider, and they are ultimately destroyed. The feeding of the fowls is an image of the completeness of the defeat and also serves to fulfill the imagery of the eschatological feast for the birds earlier prophesied in Revelation 19:17-18, an echo of the feast of God’s victory over His enemies.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was likely written towards the end of the first century AD, a time when the early Christian church was experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire. Apocalyptic literature, which Revelation is a part of, often uses symbolic language and imagery to convey messages of hope and divine justice to a suffering community. The use of vivid metaphors like the sword-wielding rider on the horse and the birds feeding on the flesh would have resonated with a contemporary audience familiar with Old Testament prophecies and apocalyptic expectations.

Theological Insights

The verse is rich in theological symbolism. From a premillennialist perspective, this event precedes Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth. For amillennialists, it symbolizes the ongoing battle between good and evil throughout the church age, culminating in Christ’s ultimate victory. Postmillennialists may interpret the verse as a figurative depiction of the advancement of the gospel and the eventual triumph of Christianity through preaching and missions before Christ’s final return.

Practical Applications

This verse can shape a believer’s worldview, instilling hope and perseverance despite apparent triumphs of injustice in the world. It can be read as a reminder of the ultimate accountability to a higher power and inspire one to align with what is just and true. It also warns against aligning with oppressive powers or systems that are destined for divine judgment.

Cross-References

• Revelation 19:17-18 – Set the scene for the birds feasting on the flesh.
• Revelation 1:16 – Describes a sharp two-edged sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth.
• Isaiah 34:6 – The imagery of sacrifice and birds feeding as a metaphor for divine judgment.
• Ezekiel 39:17-20 – Similar prophecy involving a great feast for birds on the flesh of the defeated.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek include:

• “sword” (Greek: ‘romphaia’): Often a symbol of divine judgment.
• “mouth” (Greek: ‘stoma’): Used metaphorically to represent the word and authority of Christ.
• “fowls”/”birds” (Greek: ‘orneon’): Implements of divine judgment in apocalyptic imagery.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery of divine beings using a sword to enact judgment has parallels in other ancient myths, such as the sword of Damocles, albeit in different contexts. Additionally, the concept of a final battle where the forces of good triumph over evil is found in various cultural myths, such as Ragnarok in Norse mythology or the battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu in Zoroastrianism.

Scientific Perspectives

While Revelation is a theological text, its apocalyptic imagery has been of interest to psychology, especially in its exploration of symbolic language and metaphor. The visceral images would evoke a strong emotional response that can resonate with the human understanding of finality and destruction. However, the vivid and supernatural nature of these descriptions does not coincide with modern scientific perspectives, which do not substantiate eschatological scenarios or the existence of supernatural beings.

commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer diverse interpretations of Revelation 19:21. Some see it as a depiction of the finality of God’s judgment against evil where literal interpretation aligns with futurist views of eschatology. Others suggest that the language is metaphorical, aiming to provide solace and strength to persecuted Christians of its time. Still, others might contextualize it as part of a broader literary and theological narrative meant to affirm God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The consensus agrees on the theme of divine justice and the defeat of evil symbolized by the graphic image of the feasting birds.