Revelation 19 12

Revelation 19:12 kjv

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Revelation 19:12 nkjv

His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

Revelation 19:12 niv

His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.

Revelation 19:12 esv

His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.

Revelation 19:12 nlt

His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself.

Revelation 19 verses

Revelation 19 12 Meaning

Revelation 19:12 describes the glorious and terrifying appearance of the Rider on the white horse, who is the Son of God, Jesus Christ. His eyes, like a flame of fire, signify His penetrating gaze, divine omniscience, and unyielding judgment. The many crowns on His head symbolize His ultimate universal authority, absolute sovereignty, and triumphant reign over all dominions. The "name written that no man knew, but He Himself" points to the inscrutable mystery of His divine essence and unique identity, aspects of His being that are beyond human comprehension and revelation. It emphasizes His supreme and singular nature as God.

Revelation 19 12 Context

Revelation 19 begins with heavenly rejoicing over the fall of Babylon (the corrupt world system) and the marriage supper of the Lamb. Following this joyous announcement, the scene shifts to the climactic second coming of Christ to execute judgment and defeat His enemies. Verse 11 introduces the "Faithful and True" Rider on a white horse, indicating triumph and purity. Verse 12 then describes His majestic and formidable appearance in greater detail, preceding His victorious battle against the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies (vv. 17-21). Historically, this vision would have reassured a persecuted early church, providing hope in Christ's ultimate victory and justice against the oppressive Roman Empire and any idolatrous system. It depicts Christ not merely as Savior, but as sovereign Judge and Warrior King, correcting any misconceptions of a passive Lamb and assuring them of His irresistible power over all opposing forces.

Revelation 19 12 Word analysis

• His eyes (οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ, hoi ophthalmoi autou): The Greek emphasizes both eyes. In Scripture, eyes often symbolize perception, knowledge, and judgment. This is not merely physical sight but an unblinking, penetrating insight into every hidden thing, motive, and thought.
• were as a flame of fire (ὡς φλὸξ πυρός, hōs phlox pyros):
  • phlox (φλὸξ): a blaze, flame.
  • pyros (πυρός): of fire.
  • This imagery conveys intense purity, absolute holiness, unapproachable glory, and an all-consuming, discerning power. It speaks of divine judgment, consuming wrath against evil, and the ability to penetrate all disguises and hypocrisies. It echoes Old Testament theophanies, where God appears in fire (Ex 3:2, Deut 4:24).
• and on His head (καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ, kai epi tēn kephalēn autou): Denotes the seat of authority, governance, and ultimate sovereignty.
• were many crowns (διαδήματα πολλά, diadēmata polla):
  • diadēmata (διαδήματα): Diadems, distinct from stephanos (στέφανος), which denotes a victor's wreath or garland (as worn by conquerors in games, or elders in Revelation). A diadem is a specific royal headband, indicating kingly authority or imperial power.
  • polla (πολλά): many, signifying multiple or abundant.
  • This means He holds supreme, undisputed authority over all kingdoms and dominions, far surpassing the authority of any earthly ruler or even the counterfeit authority of the dragon and the beast who wear fewer diademata (Rev 12:3, 13:1). It signifies universal kingship, triumph over all enemies, and absolute dominion.
• and He had a name written (ἔχων ὄνομα γεγραμμένον, echōn onoma gegrammenon):
  • onoma (ὄνομα): name. In ancient thought, a name conveyed identity, character, authority, and even the essence of a person. To "have a name written" signifies an official, indelible identity.
  • gegrammenon (γεγραμμένον): written, perfect passive participle, indicating a name permanently and officially recorded.
• that no man knew (ὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, ho oudeis oiden):
  • oudeis (οὐδεὶς): no one.
  • oiden (οἶδεν): knew (from eido), perfectly knowing or understanding.
  • This implies a profound aspect of His being or identity that remains unrevealed and beyond human or even angelic comprehension. It points to the uniqueness and transcendence of His divine nature, a deep truth of His essence accessible only to Himself. It underscores His divine mystery and supremacy.
• but He Himself (εἰ μὴ αὐτός, ei mē autos): An exclusive knowledge. This confirms that this specific aspect of His name/identity is known solely to Christ, underscoring His distinctiveness and self-contained divine understanding.

Words-Group Analysis:

• His eyes were as a flame of fire: This phrase paints a picture of terrifying majesty and penetrating judgment. It's a divine gaze that discerns all truth, exposing hidden sins, and capable of enacting immediate, purifying justice. It suggests an active, burning holiness.
• on His head were many crowns: This contrasts with human monarchs who wear one or perhaps a few crowns representing limited earthly dominion. Christ wears "many crowns," demonstrating His unparalleled, boundless authority over all realms—celestial and terrestrial, physical and spiritual—and signifying multiple victories achieved (over sin, death, Satan, and all world systems). It points to His undisputed claim as King of kings.
• He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself: This is a statement about the profundity of His divine being. While other names of Christ are revealed (e.g., Faithful and True, Word of God, King of Kings), this unrevealed name points to an essence that cannot be fully comprehended or contained by human language or understanding. It emphasizes His utter uniqueness, His self-existence, and His transcendence. It hints at aspects of God's being that remain shrouded in divine mystery, accessible only within the Godhead itself.

Revelation 19 12 Bonus section

The concept of a "secret name" is found in ancient mystery religions and magical practices, where knowing the true name of a deity or spirit was believed to give one power over them. By declaring that only Christ knows this name, John engages in a subtle polemic, asserting that Jesus is truly God and cannot be manipulated or controlled by human knowledge or power. His divine essence is wholly independent and incomprehensible by any outside force. This secret name distinguishes Him fundamentally from false gods and worldly powers. It reiterates the biblical theme that God is inherently unknowable in His totality unless He chooses to reveal Himself, yet even in revelation, an ultimate mystery remains inherent to His divine nature. This "unknown name" suggests an inherent, inexhaustible glory and majesty that transcends all attributes or titles known to creation. It’s the depth of God's own unique identity.

Revelation 19 12 Commentary

Revelation 19:12 presents Jesus Christ returning in unassailable majesty, not as the gentle Lamb for sacrifice, but as the powerful, righteous Judge and Warrior King. His eyes of fire denote His penetrating knowledge of all things and His absolute purity in executing justice; nothing escapes His omniscient gaze, and all evil will be purged by His fiery presence. The many diadems signify His complete and ultimate sovereignty over all creation, the accumulation of countless victories, and His rightful claim as universal ruler. Most profoundly, the hidden name speaks to the ineffable depth of His divine nature – an identity so unique and transcendent that it can only be known by Him. This emphasizes His singular divine essence, demonstrating that there is always more to comprehend about Christ's eternal being than can be revealed or understood by created beings. It demands worship, awe, and submission, assuring believers of His ultimate victory while warning His adversaries of His irresistible, unfathomable power and unyielding justice.