Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 19:10 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Revelation, the speaker is an angel who is being mistaken for a divine being by John, the author of the book. When John falls at the angel's feet to worship him, the angel quickly corrects him, stating that he is a fellowservant and not deserving of worship. The angel emphasizes that he is of the same heavenly authority as John and all other believers who testify to Jesus. The angel redirects John's worship towards God, emphasizing that true worship should be directed solely towards the Almighty. The angel concludes by stating that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God through Christ. This passage serves as a reminder to Christians to focus their worship on God alone and to recognize the significance of Jesus' testimony in the fulfillment of prophecy.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Revelation, John describes a powerful encounter where he falls at the feet of an angel to worship him. However, the angel quickly corrects John, instructing him to worship God alone. This interaction serves as a reminder to believers that worship is reserved for God alone, as angels are merely messengers and servants of God. The phrase "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" sheds light on the central message of the book of Revelation - that Jesus Christ is the focal point of all prophecy and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God even in the midst of divine encounters and profound revelations. As believers, our ultimate allegiance and worship should always be directed towards God, who is the source of all truth and prophecy.
Revelation 19:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
World English Bible
I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”
Douay-Rheims
And I fell down before his feet, to adore him. And he saith to me: See thou do it not. I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Adore God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I fell before his feete, to worship him: but he said vnto me, See thou doe it not: I am thy fellowe seruant, and one of thy brethren, which haue the testimonie of Iesus. Worship God: for the testimonie of Iesus is the Spirit of prophecie.