And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

REVELATION 1:15KJV
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Revelation 1:15 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:15 mean?

Revelation 1:15 describes the appearance and voice of Jesus in John’s vision, saying his feet were like fine brass glowing in a furnace and his voice was like the sound of many waters. This language highlights Jesus’ strength, purity, and overwhelming presence as John sees him in his glorified state.

John, exiled on the island of Patmos, is writing down a vision given to him by God. In this verse, John is trying to put into words the awe-inspiring sight and sound of the risen Jesus. The glowing brass feet suggest stability and purity through fire, while the powerful, rushing sound of his voice shows authority and majesty that cannot be ignored.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:15

  • "χαλκολίβανον" (chalkolibanon, G5474): This word is translated as "fine brass" and refers to a refined, shining metal. It suggests something strong, beautiful, and purified by fire, emphasizing the glory and tested character of Jesus.
  • "ἐν καμίνῳ" (en kamino, G1722 + G2575): This phrase means "in a furnace." The image is of metal glowing from intense heat, pointing to purity and the idea of being tested or refined.
  • "φωνὴ" (phōnē, G5456): This is the word for "voice" or "sound." Here, it is compared to "ὑδάτων πολλῶν" (hydatōn pollōn, G5204 + G4183), meaning "many waters." The Greek paints a picture of a voice that is overwhelming, powerful, and impossible to ignore, like the roar of a great waterfall.

Why Revelation 1:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea of Jesus as weak or ordinary by showing him as powerful, pure, and awe-inspiring in his risen form.
  • The imagery connects to other parts of Revelation and the Old Testament, where God’s presence is often described with fire, shining metal, or the sound of rushing waters, tying Jesus closely to God’s majesty.
  • Understanding these details helps readers see that John is describing more than physical features—he is using vivid symbols to express Jesus’ divine authority and glory.

Where else these words appear

“brass” Greek G5474 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

“furnace” Greek G2575 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
  • Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
  • Revelation 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

“burned” Greek G4448 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
  • 2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.