And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
REVELATION 21:9KJVWhat does Revelation 21:9 mean?
Revelation 21:9 describes one of the seven angels, who had previously poured out the last plagues, inviting John to come and see "the bride, the Lamb's wife." This verse introduces a vision where John is about to witness something significant, described as the bride connected to the Lamb.
The setting is John receiving a message from an angel, one of the same angels involved in the earlier judgments described in Revelation. The angel now shifts from delivering plagues to showing John a positive, hopeful vision. The "bride" and "Lamb's wife" are symbolic terms, and in the context of Revelation, they often refer to the people of God or the holy city, which the following verses will describe in more detail.
The Greek behind Revelation 21:9
- "νύμφην" (nymphēn, "bride"): This word means "bride" and is used here to describe a close, intimate relationship. In Revelation, it often points to a collective group, not an individual.
- "γυνή" (gynē, "wife"): This word means "wife" and emphasizes the established, covenant relationship with the Lamb (a title for Jesus).
- "ἀρνίου" (arniou, "Lamb"): The Lamb is a key symbol in Revelation for Jesus, highlighting his sacrificial role. The connection between the Lamb and the bride/wife signals a relationship rooted in sacrifice and redemption.
- "δεῖξαι" (deixai, "to show"): The Greek word here means to reveal or make visible, stressing that what John is about to see is meant to be understood as a revelation, not a hidden mystery.
Why Revelation 21:9 matters
- This verse marks a turning point from judgment to restoration, showing that the same angels who brought plagues now reveal hope and fulfillment.
- The language of "bride" and "wife" sets up the vision of the New Jerusalem, which is described in the following verses as a symbol of God's people in perfect relationship with the Lamb.
- Understanding the shift in the angel's role helps clarify that God's ultimate purpose in Revelation is not just judgment but also the creation of a new, redeemed community.