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 19:17KJV
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Revelation 19:17 (KJV)

What does Revelation 19:17 mean?

Revelation 19:17 describes a dramatic scene where an angel, standing in the brightness of the sun, calls out loudly to all the birds flying overhead, inviting them to gather for a great feast prepared by God. This "supper of the great God" is a symbolic announcement of a coming judgment, where the birds will feed on the remains of those defeated in the final battle.

In this vision, John sees the angel addressing the birds, not people, as a way to signal the aftermath of a massive conflict. The setting is just before the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil described later in the chapter. The invitation to the birds highlights the totality of the coming judgment and the certainty of God's victory.

The Greek behind Revelation 19:17

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means "messenger" or "angel." The angel's position "standing in the sun" emphasizes visibility and authority, showing that the message is meant for all to see and hear.
  • φωνῇ μεγάλῃ (phōnē megalē): Translated as "loud voice," this phrase stresses the urgency and importance of the message. The angel's cry is meant to reach all the birds, symbolizing the completeness of the coming event.
  • δεῦτε (deute): This is the word for "Come," a direct summons. It is a command, not just an invitation, underlining that what is about to happen is certain and unstoppable.
  • δεῖπνον τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ μεγάλου (deipnon tou theou tou megalou): "The supper of the great God" uses the word for a main meal or feast, often associated with celebration or, in this case, a grim victory banquet. The phrase underscores the scale and seriousness of the judgment.

Why Revelation 19:17 matters

  • Revelation 19:17 clarifies that the coming judgment is not just spiritual but has visible, physical consequences, as shown by the birds being called to feast on the fallen.
  • The verse connects to earlier biblical imagery where birds feasting on the dead signals total defeat (see Ezekiel 39), helping readers understand the seriousness of the final battle.
  • This scene sets up the climax of Revelation 19, emphasizing that God's victory over evil is complete and leaves nothing unfinished or overlooked.

Where else these words appear

“fowls” Greek G3732 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
  • Revelation 19:21 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.

“heaven” Greek G3321 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
  • Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

“fly” Greek G4072 · used in 5 verses

  • Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
  • Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
  • Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

“Come” Greek G1205 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
  • Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
  • Mark 12:7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.