And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

REVELATION 1:16KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 1:16 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:16 mean?

Revelation 1:16 describes a vision of Jesus holding seven stars in his right hand, with a sharp two-edged sword coming out of his mouth, and his face shining as brightly as the sun at full strength. This verse uses vivid imagery to show Jesus’ authority, power, and the striking impact of his words.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing what he sees as he encounters the risen Jesus in a vision. The seven stars represent something important (later explained as the angels or messengers of the seven churches), the sword from Jesus’ mouth symbolizes the power and sharpness of his words, and the shining face conveys overwhelming glory and strength.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:16

  • ῥομφαία (rhomphaia, "sword"): This word refers to a large, broad sword, and its use here for the sword coming from Jesus’ mouth highlights the idea that his words are powerful and able to judge or divide.
  • δίστομος (distomos, "twoedged"): This means "double-edged," emphasizing that the sword (Jesus’ words) can cut both ways, suggesting thoroughness and effectiveness.
  • ἰσχύς (ischys, "strength"): The word for "strength" at the end of the verse points to the full intensity of the sun’s brightness, underlining the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of Jesus’ appearance.

Why Revelation 1:16 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the imagery in Revelation is often symbolic, not literal; the sword from Jesus’ mouth is a picture of the power and authority of his speech, not a physical weapon.
  • The description connects Jesus directly to divine glory and authority, setting the tone for the rest of the book and showing why his message to the churches carries ultimate weight.
  • Understanding the meaning of the seven stars and the sword prepares the reader for the explanations and messages that follow in the next chapters, making sense of the vision’s purpose.

Where else these words appear

“twoedged” Greek G1366 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

“countenance” Greek G3799 · used in 3 verses

  • John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
  • John 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

“sharp” Greek G3691 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
  • Revelation 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
  • Revelation 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

“sword” Greek G4501 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
  • Revelation 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
  • Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.