What does Revelation 19:17 mean?

"And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;" - Revelation 19:17

"And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;" - Revelation 19:17

Revelation 19:17 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God."

This verse comes from the book of Revelation, which is the final book of the New Testament. It is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic text that is attributed to the apostle John. The book is known for its vivid imagery and allegorical language, and it is often interpreted as a prophecy of the end times and the return of Jesus Christ.

In this particular verse, the speaker is an angel who is standing in the sun. The fact that the angel is standing in the sun is a powerful symbol, as the sun is often associated with divine power and glory. This imagery reinforces the idea that the message being delivered is of great importance and significance.

The angel then addresses "all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven," calling them to come and gather for "the supper of the great God." This language is highly symbolic and is meant to evoke a sense of grandeur and solemnity. The "supper of the great God" is a metaphor for a great feast or banquet, and it is often interpreted as a reference to the final judgment.

One of the key themes in this verse is that of divine judgment. The imagery of a great feast or banquet is often used in the Bible to symbolize the final judgment, where the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will be punished. In this context, the fowls are called to come and feast on the flesh of those who have been condemned by God. This is a vivid and striking image that serves to emphasize the severity and finality of God's judgment.

Another important theme in this verse is that of divine sovereignty. The angel's call for the fowls to gather at the supper of the great God is a reminder that God is ultimately in control of all things. This theme is a recurring one throughout the book of Revelation, as it emphasizes the ultimate victory of God over the forces of evil and the establishment of his eternal kingdom.

The context of this verse is the culmination of the great battle between good and evil, as described in the preceding passages of Revelation. The imagery of the angel standing in the sun and calling the fowls to the supper of the great God is meant to convey the sense of finality and inevitability of God's judgment. It serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the consequences of human actions and the ultimate authority of God.

In terms of symbolism, the fowls that are called to the supper of the great God are often interpreted as representing the forces of destruction and chaos that will be unleashed at the end of the world. They are also seen as symbolic of the agents of divine judgment, who will carry out God's will in punishing the wicked. The image of the angel standing in the sun is symbolic of divine authority and power, and it serves to underscore the seriousness of the message being delivered.

In conclusion, Revelation 19:17 is a verse that is rich in symbolism and significance. It conveys the themes of divine judgment and sovereignty, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate authority of God. It is a verse that inspires reverence and awe, and it challenges readers to consider the implications of their actions in light of God's ultimate judgment.

Have questions about Revelation 19:17?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Revelation 19:17 Artwork

Revelation 19:17 - "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;"

Revelation 19:17 - "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;"

"And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;" - Revelation 19:17

"And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;" - Revelation 19:17

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 19:4

Revelation 19:4

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."

Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."

Revelation 19:19 - "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."

Revelation 19:19 - "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."

Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Revelation 19:3 - "And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever."

Revelation 19:3 - "And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever."

lake of fire from the Bible at Revelation 19:20

lake of fire from the Bible at Revelation 19:20

Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."

Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."

Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

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

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

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:17-19

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."