What does Revelation 1:15 mean?

Explanation

Revelation 1:15 depicts a part of the visual description of Jesus Christ as John the Apostle saw him in a vision on the island of Patmos.

The verse uses symbolic language to portray Jesus with divine and awe-inspiring attributes.

"His feet like unto fine brass" suggests a strong, durable, and precious nature of Christ's actions and the path he treads, with brass often symbolizing judgment in the Bible.

The phrase "as if they burned in a furnace" reinforces the idea of Christ's purity, having been refined and tested, and his judgment being righteous and absolute.

His "voice as the sound of many waters" indicates the power, majesty, and overwhelming authority of Christ's words, similar to the thunderous sound of rushing waters or a great waterfall.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written in the first century A.D., and most scholars date it to the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96).

The imagery used in this verse reflects the apocalyptic literature of that time, which contains symbolic and vivid pictures to convey its messages.

The various elements, like "fine brass" and a voice like "many waters," were metaphorical images familiar in Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic texts, used to depict divine or angelic beings in a manner that conveyed their awe and power.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is ripe with meaning:

• Within Christian theology, the description points to the glorified state of Christ post-resurrection, exuding divinity.
• Catholics and Orthodox Christians may see the verse as emphasizing the heavenly priesthood of Christ, with his feet of brass symbolizing his role as judge.
• Evangelical theologians often interpret the passage as underscoring the authority of Christ in his second coming and his role in the final judgment.
• Liberation theologians might perceive the refining fire as a symbol of purification and justice for the oppressed.

Practical Applications

In daily life, believers might draw inspiration from this verse to:

• Seek purity in their actions, as Christ's feet are pure and refined.
• Recognize authority in the words of Jesus, turning to the Bible for guidance.
• Face trials with the understanding that refinement and testing can lead to spiritual strength and conviction, much like metal refined in fire.

Cross-References

• Daniel 10:6 - "His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude."
• Ezekiel 43:2 - "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Revelation 1:15, key words and their meanings are:

• "πόδες" (podes) - meaning "feet," symbolizing the part of the body that treads upon the earth and thus, could indicate actions or presence.
• "χαλκολίβανον" (chalkolibanon) - translated as "fine brass," which is a compound of "chalkos" (copper) and "libanos" (frankincense), suggesting a metal that is both valuable and purified.
• "εκκαίομαι" (ekkaiomai) - "burned," or "to be kindled," "to glow," conveying a sense of intensity and transformation through heat.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The description of deities with metallic feet or booming voices is common in ancient mythologies.

For instance, in Greek mythology, the god Hephaestus is the god of fire and metalworking.

The emphasis on a god-like figure having feet of highly refined metal may draw parallels to divine figures associated with strength and immortality.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the language of this verse is metaphorical and not meant to be a literal physical description.

Metal requires significant heat to be refined, a process that removes impurities.

This metaphor can be paralleled with the scientific concept of refining metals, which could connect to themes of purification.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer varying interpretations of Revelation 1:15:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the feet like brass indicate Christ's stability and firmness in his purposes.
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary notes the allusion to the "voice" like the sound of waters to that of the Almighty in Ezekiel and the voice of the "multitude."
• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the significance of the burning brass as reflective of Christ's shining purity and his role as a refiner's fire.
• Scholars like G.K.

Beale and Craig S.

Keener have highlighted the apocalyptic literary style of Revelation, which uses symbolic imagery to communicate theological truths.