Since we have seen that revelation is a book of prophetic visions, the elements of which are symbols of spiritual realities, it makes sense that the numbers present in the book would be symbols of something else, not just random quantities. Unveiling the symbolism in revelation introduction to revelation. Jehovah the true god in the heavens and creator of all things. The book of revelation concludes with the angels testimony and additional counsel from the lord.
However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. What is the sevenheaded wild beast of revelation chapter. Q why are there so many symbols used in the book of revelation. Symbols freed john to represent transcendental and spiritual experiences.
The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. An illustrated guide to the future swaggart, jimmy on. It constantly amazes me that when i discuss revelation with many evangelical laymen they are immediately alarmed that i am not. Unveiling the symbolism in revelation introduction. And that same message is still relevant for us now. Symbols in the book of revelation semnele vremurilor. After this is a vision of the new heavens and new earththe world in its celestial state revelation 21. Lets take a look at the meaning and symbolism of each color. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament. Symbols in the book of revelation you are permitted to understand the secrets of the kingdom of god. Revelation is a visual picture of things, some of which are past, some of which are present, and some of which are future.
God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. Symbols in the book of revelation use this sheet for reference as you read the book of revelation. The angel used the symbolism of candlesticks to represent the branches, or. Thus, his letter written in the apocalyptic genre is pastoral in nature its purpose is offering hope to the downtrodden, and the symbolism of revelation is to be. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally. When people read the book of revelation they encounter this vast array of symbols. Some have become quite well known to the public, particularly in the late twentieth century. The pale horse in the book of revelation has been a mystery for many. We will see christ later in the book of revelation ruling with a rod of iron. He interprets the book of revelation symbolically, because he interprets revelation 1.
The designation of symbols must be on an individual basis. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. When opening the book of revelation, the wouldbe interpreter must understand that it is a highly figurative book that cannot be approached with a simple, straightforward literalism. The book of revelation is full of symbolic numbers. The first principle is the fact that the book of revelation uses extensive figurative language.
If the book of revelation consists of revelations of jesus christ. What does the pale horse mean or represent in the book of. However, even though the book of revelation is written in symbols, the bible explains itself in a literal language. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Revelation greek apokalupsis means an uncovering, an unveiling, or a disclosure. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. Understanding the apocalyptic imagery and symbols of the. Many major entities and symbols in the book of revelation are introduced earlier in the bible. Maybe john thought titling his letter was a little bit pretentious. The good news is that the bible always explains itself. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation.
The book s vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced 4 main interpretive approaches. No book in all scripture has stimulated more discussion, generated more controversy, and created more questions than the book of revelation. Symbols are frequently employed in the book of revelation within similes where resemblance is emphasized. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much. Given that the book of revelation is at one and the same time an apocalyptic, prophetic, and. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title. Some have become quite well known to the public, particularly in the late.
The lord employs symbols in almost every sentence of the revelation. Today im sharing all about 88 symbols in the book of revelation and showing you exactly what they mean. Beale shows that the greek word for the phrase made it known or communicated it in the nasb is. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Find out how god reveals truth to those who believe. It must always be kept in mind, however, that this book is a book of prophecy, intended to shew the things which must shortly come to pass.
This revelation timeline decoded bible study provides a table of symbols that were used by john in the book of revelation these revelation symbols are from the peoples new testament study notes by barton w. The book of revelation is the ending to the greatest story ever told. Four horsemen of the apocalypse meaning in revelation. Symbols in the book of revelation a reference sheet for the symbols that are used in the book of revelation. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. Exhibit symbols of revelation literal meaning lesson 1.
Understanding the apocalyptic imagery and symbols of the book of. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. And you apply these symbols used in revelation that were taken from the old testament to the life of jesus and the early church. Over the years, the book has been called by all different names the apocalypse, the revelation of saint john the divine, fire and brimstone r us. The bible book of revelations details prophecy of the apocalypse and end times. The book of revelation and symbolism hills bible church. We may never have thought of it in this way, but the book of revelation is a picture book one that uses signs and symbols to communicate the message of the end times. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation richard d. Color symbolism in the apocalypse of john in revelation. The lamb represents jesus, the lamb of god, who was slain for our sins.
These four horsemen of the apocalypse appear to symbolically portray four disastrous occurrences that will take place before the second coming of jesus christ. The book of revelation is filled with mysterious symbols. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. Many modern readers find its imagery and symbolism strange and its message unclear. The key to understanding the specific meaning of the ten horns and seven heads of the beast of revelation chapter is an image of the wild beast identified later in revelation a brightred beast that has seven heads. Once you understand the meaning of the symbol, bible prophecy becomes plain. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john.
It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. To help you in your understanding, study the chart below. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of god the almighty. The center column lists the text which explains the symbol. The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says.
John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. This very powerful and dynamic teachingtool on the book of revelation shines a light on the symbolism and the mysteries of god revealed to mankind in this great book. This can be translated a few ways, but beale says it should be communicated by symbols. For example the woman representing israel being chased by the dragon satan after the manchild jesus was caught up to heaven. A picture book the importance of symbolism in revelation. This is helpful but still the symbolism in the book of revelation is so difficult for me to understand that it makes me wonder how many people in antiquity actually read and understood this or similar books. The meaning of the 7 churches of revelation the seven churches of revelation represent report cards for christians. Lets look at the characteristics of each horsemen and how they all play an important role in the end times from the bible book of revelation. The seven seals and jesus olivet prophecy the book of revelation is heavy with symbolism and. Tx001782 2handout8esymbols in the book of revelation. Several books of jewish apocalyptic literature are available for study. The book of revelation and symbolism postmillennial. Each prophetic symbol is clearly explained in scripture.
Interprets revelation as a description of first century events in the roman empire see author date. The purpose of this glorious vision is to unveil jesus christ. Revelation apocalypse symbols defined, literal explanation. Symbolism in the book of revelation the bart ehrman blog. Use this sheet for reference as you read the book of revelation. The lefthand column lists the symbol as it appears in bible prophecy. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Seeing the book of revelation as a book of revelation. However, i would like to provide two principles that can greatly increase a persons understanding of the book of revelation.
There is a reason for placing this book at the end of the bible, for it is filled with allusions to the books that precede it. The book of revelation doesnt mean what you think theres more to understanding this ancient book than you realize. In these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like. Church elders and scholars have debated for nearly 2,000 years about what all the signs and symbols of revelation mean. There are specific colors mentioned in the last days. The book s vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced 4.