Revelation 1:16

He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The risen Christ speaks to the apostle John during a visionary revelation, immediately following the description of His feet and voice.

The words — ἔχων (echōn) literally means "He is holding," and δεξιᾷ χειρὶ (dexia cheiri) translates to "right hand," specifying the physical grip on the seven stars.

The thread — The sword from His mouth appears again in Revelation 2:12 and Revelation 2:16, while Hebrews 4:12 parallels the weapon’s function by describing the word of God as sharper than any double-edged sword.

Why it lands — The text records a blindingly radiant face, a firm grip on the seven stars, and a sword issuing from His mouth, demanding recognition of His absolute authority and the inevitability of His judgment.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Revelation 2:12 To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.
Revelation 2:16 Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth.
Revelation 19:15 And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
Isaiah 49:2 He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Revelation 19:21 And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Matthew 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
Isaiah 60:19 No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.
Malachi 4:2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.