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.
Revelation 19:21 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Revelation describes a scene where a remnant of people are killed by the sword of the rider on the horse, with the sword coming from his mouth. This imagery is symbolic and represents the power and authority of the Word of God, which is often depicted as a sharp sword in biblical texts. The sword proceeding from the mouth of the rider emphasizes the power of God's Word to bring judgment and justice. The mention of the fowls being filled with their flesh further emphasizes the severity of the judgment being carried out. In this context, the verse serves as a vivid portrayal of the consequences of defying God's will and the ultimate fate of those who reject Him. It underscores the importance of obedience and faith in God's Word as the ultimate source of truth and righteousness.
Theological Overview
Many theological interpretations of this verse in the Book of Revelation focus on the symbolic and apocalyptic nature of the imagery used. The phrase "the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse" is often understood to represent the defeat of evil and the triumph of righteousness through divine intervention. The sword proceeding out of the mouth of the rider on the horse is seen as a powerful image of the Word of God, which is described elsewhere in the Bible as a sharp, double-edged sword that has the power to judge and bring about justice.
Additionally, the mention of the fowls being filled with the flesh of those who were slain is thought to be a reference to the final judgment and the consequences of rejecting God's mercy and grace. This imagery serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the ultimate fate of those who choose to oppose God.
Word studies on phrases like "sword proceeded out of his mouth" can also shed light on the significance of the language used in the original text. In this case, the use of the word "sword" can be seen as a symbol of power, authority, and judgment, while the concept of the sword proceeding out of the mouth emphasizes the authority and effectiveness of the Word of God in bringing about justice and righteousness.
Revelation 19:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, [even the sword] which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.
World English Bible
The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh.
Douay-Rheims
And the rest were slain by the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse, which proceedeth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the remnant were slayne with the sword of him that sitteth vpon the horse, which commeth out of his mouth, and all the foules were filled full with their flesh.