The Meaning of Revelation 1:15 Explained

Revelation 1:15

KJV: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

YLT: and his feet like to fine brass, as in a furnace having been fired, and his voice as a sound of many waters,

Darby: and his feet like fine brass, as burning in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters;

ASV: and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  his  feet  like  unto fine brass,  as  if they burned  in  a furnace;  and  his  voice  as  the sound  of many  waters. 

What does Revelation 1:15 Mean?

Verse Meaning

His feet looked like bronze glowing in the reflection of a fire. This is probably an allusion to His purity as He moves among the churches (cf. Luke 1:79; Acts 5:9; Romans 3:15; Romans 10:15; Hebrews 12:13). [1] Perhaps it also implies His purity as proved during His earthly walk that made Him a sympathetic high priest ( Hebrews 4:15; cf. Hebrews 2:18). The figure also connotes strength and stability (cf. Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:41).
His voice sounded like a rushing river such as the Niagara at its Falls, namely, authoritative, powerful, and irresistible (cf. Revelation 14:2; Revelation 19:6; Psalm 93:4; Isaiah 17:13; Ezekiel 43:2).
"Perhaps two ideas are suggested here: (1) Christ gathers together all the "streams of revelation" and is the Father"s "last Word" to man ( Hebrews 1:1-3); (2) He speaks with power and authority and must be heard." [2]
John would have hardly ever been away from the sound of waves beating on the shore while he lived on Patmos.

Context Summary

Revelation 1:9-20 - From The Living Lord To The Churches
The tribulation and patience of Jesus are essential conditions of His Kingdom. We cannot exert the divine energies of the latter, unless we are willing to take our share of the former. There should be no Lord's Day without our definite claim to be in the Spirit; and if we are in the Spirit, every day is a day of the Lord. The seven churches are distinct in their several characteristics, but one in their blended light.
Here is variety, but unity. Jesus was in the midst on the Cross; He is in the midst where two or three are gathered; He is the Lamb "in the midst of the throne" but He is, also in the midst of the collective life of the Church in her earthly ministry and warfare.
The manifestation of His glory may overwhelm our mortality, but the touch of His pierced hand encourages the soul. His favorite assurance is, Fear not. Here is life in its threefold aspect! In its original source, first and last. In its triumph over death-I became dead. In its eternal reign-I am alive for evermore. The things which John had seen are probably comprehended in this chapter; "the things which are" in Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22; and the things which are to come to pass in the remainder of this book. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 1

1  The preface
4  John's salutation to the seven churches of Asia
7  The coming of Christ
8  His glorious power and majesty

Greek Commentary for Revelation 1:15

Burnished brass [χαλκολιβανωι]
Associative-instrumental case after ομοιοι — homoioi This word has so far been found nowhere else save here and Revelation 2:18. Suidas defines it as an ηλεχκτρον — ēlecktron (amber) or a compound of copper and gold and silver (aurichalcum in the Latin Vulgate). It is in reality an unknown metal. [source]
As if it had been refined [ως πεπυρομενης]
Perfect passive participle of πυροω — puroō old verb, to set on fire, to glow, as in Ephesians 6:16; Revelation 3:18. The feminine gender shows that η χαλκολιβανος — hē chalkolibanos is referred to with της χαλκολιβανου — tēs chalkolibanou understood, for it does not agree in case with the associative-instrumental χαλκολιβανωι — chalkolibanōi just before. Some would call it a slip for πεπυρομενωι — pepuromenōi as Aleph, and some cursives have it (taking χαλκολιβανωι — chalkolibanōi to be neuter, not feminine). But P Q read πεπυρωμενοι — pepurōmenoi (masculine plural), a correction, making it agree in number and gender with ποδες — podes (feet).In a furnace (εν καμινωι — en kaminōi). Old word, in N.T. also Revelation 9:2; Matthew 13:42, Matthew 13:50.As the voice of many waters So the voice of God in the Hebrew (not the lxx) of Ezekiel 43:2. Repeated in Revelation 14:2; Revelation 19:6. [source]
In a furnace [εν καμινωι]
Old word, in N.T. also Revelation 9:2; Matthew 13:42, Matthew 13:50. [source]
As the voice of many waters [ως πωνη υδατων πολλων]
So the voice of God in the Hebrew (not the lxx) of Ezekiel 43:2. Repeated in Revelation 14:2; Revelation 19:6. [source]
Fine brass [χαλκολιβάνῳ]
Rev., burnished brass. Only here and Revelation 2:18. Compare Ezekiel href="/desk/?q=eze+1:7&sr=1">Ezekiel 1:7. The meaning of the word is uncertain. Some explain electrum, an alloy of gold and silver: others, brass of Lebanon ( Αίβανος ) others, brass of the color of frankincense ( λίβανος ): others again, that it is an hybrid compound of the Greek χαλκός brass, and the Hebrew laban to make white. Dean Plumptre observes: “Such technical words were likely enough to be current in a population like that of Ephesus, consisting largely of workers in metal, some of whom were no doubt Jews” (“Epistles to the Seven Churches of Asia”). [source]
Many waters []
Compare Ezekiel 1:24; Ezekiel 43:2; Isaiah 17:12. See also Revelation 14:2; Revelation 19:6. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 1:15

Revelation 2:18 Who hath His eyes, etc. []
See on Revelation 1:14, Revelation 1:15. [source]
Revelation 10:1 Pillars of fire []
Compare Revelation 1:15. [source]
Revelation 1:13 One like unto a son of man [ομοιον υιον αντρωπου]
Note accusative here with ομοιον — homoion (object of ειδον — eidon) as in Revelation 14:14 and not the associative-instrumental as is usual (Revelation 1:15; Revelation 4:3, Revelation 4:6). Charles holds that ομοιον — homoion here has the sense of ως — hōs (as) and compares Revelation 4:6; Revelation 22:1 for proof. The absence of the article here shows also (Charles) that the idea is not “like the Son of man” for Christ is the Son of man. He is like “a son of man,” but not a man. [source]
Revelation 10:1 Coming down out of heaven [καταβαινοντα εκ του ουρανου]
Present active participle of καταβαινω — katabainō picturing the process of the descent as in Revelation 20:1 (cf. Revelation 3:12).Arrayed with a cloud (περιβεβλημενον νεπελην — peribeblēmenon nephelēn). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω — periballō with accusative case retained as in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13. Not proof that this angel is Christ, though Christ will come on the clouds (Revelation 1:7) as he ascended on a cloud (Acts 1:9). God‘s chariot is in the clouds (Psalm 104:3), but this angel is a special messenger of God‘s.The rainbow See Revelation 4:3 for this word. The construction here is changed from the accusative to the nominative.As the sun (ως ο ηλιος — hōs ho hēlios). The very metaphor applied to Christ in Revelation 1:16.As pillars of fire Somewhat like the metaphor of Christ in Revelation 1:15, but still no proof that this angel is Christ. On στυλος — stulos see Revelation 3:12; Galatians 2:9. [source]
Revelation 10:1 The rainbow [η ιρις]
See Revelation 4:3 for this word. The construction here is changed from the accusative to the nominative.As the sun (ως ο ηλιος — hōs ho hēlios). The very metaphor applied to Christ in Revelation 1:16.As pillars of fire Somewhat like the metaphor of Christ in Revelation 1:15, but still no proof that this angel is Christ. On στυλος — stulos see Revelation 3:12; Galatians 2:9. [source]
Revelation 10:1 As pillars of fire [ως στυλοι πυρος]
Somewhat like the metaphor of Christ in Revelation 1:15, but still no proof that this angel is Christ. On στυλος — stulos see Revelation 3:12; Galatians 2:9. [source]
Revelation 14:2 As a voice of many waters [ως πωνην υδατων πολλων]
For which see Revelation 1:15. [source]
Revelation 19:6 As it were the voice [ως πωνην]
Used here three times, as once in Revelation 19:1: once of a second great multitude (οχλου πολλου — ochlou pollou), not of angels as in Revelation 19:1, but the innumerable multitude of the redeemed of Revelation 7:9; then “of many waters” (υδατων πολλων — hudatōn pollōn) as in Revelation 1:15; Revelation 14:2 like “the roar of a cataract” (Swete); and once more “the voice of mighty thunders” (βροντων ισχυρων — brontōn ischurōn) as in Revelation 6:1; Revelation 10:3. [source]
Revelation 2:18 The Son of God [ο υιος του τεου]
Here Jesus is represented as calling himself by this title as in John 11:4 and as he affirms on oath in Matthew 26:63. “The Word of God” occurs in Revelation 19:13.His eyes like a flame of fire (τους οπταλμους αυτου ως πλογα πυρος — tous ophthalmous autou hōs phloga puros). As in Revelation 1:14.His feet like burnished brass As in Revelation 1:15. [source]
Revelation 2:18 His feet like burnished brass [οι ποδες αυτου ομοιοι χαλκολιβανωι]
As in Revelation 1:15. [source]
Revelation 3:18 To buy [αγορασαι]
First aorist active infinitive of αγοραζω — agorazō (from αγορα — agora market-place), rich as they think themselves to be.From me (παρ εμου — par' emou). From my side, emphatic.Refined by fire Perfect passive participle of πυροω — puroō (as in Revelation 1:15) and the metaphor carried on by εκ πυρος — ek puros “fired by fire.” Purity by removing dross (Psalm 66:10) like 1 Peter 1:7.That thou mayest become rich (ινα πλουτησηις — hina ploutēsēis). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the ingressive first aorist active of πλουτεω — plouteō spiritual riches.That thou mayest clothe thyself Purpose clause with ινα — hina and second aorist middle (direct) subjunctive of περιβαλλω — periballō to fling round one as in Revelation 3:5.Be not made manifest (μη πανερωτηι — mē phanerōthēi). Continued purpose clause with negative μη — mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of πανεροω — phaneroō (γυμνοτητος — gumnotētos). Late and rare word from γυμνος — gumnos naked, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 11:27; Romans 8:35. Cf. Revelation 16:15; Revelation 20:13; 2 Corinthians 5:2.Eye-salve Diminutive of κολλυρα — kollura (coarse bread of cylindrical shape), object of αγορασαι — agorasai name for a famous Phrygian powder for the eyes made in Laodicea (Charles), Latin collyrium (used for eye-salve by Horace and Juvenal).To anoint (εγχρισαι — egchrisai). First aorist active infinitive (epexegetic) of εγχριω — egchriō late compound (εν χριω — enινα βλεπηις — chriō Strabo, Epictetus), to rub in, here only in N.T.That thou mayest see Another purpose clause with hina and the present active subjunctive (keep on seeing). [source]
Revelation 9:2 As the smoke of a great furnace [ως καπνος καμινου μεγαλης]
The plague of demonic locusts is here turned loose. Καμινος — Kaminos is old word for a smelting-furnace, already in Revelation 1:15.Were darkened (εσκοτωτη — eskotōthē). First aorist passive indicative of σκοτοω — skotoō old causative verb from σκοτος — skotos in N.T. only here, Revelation 16:10; Ephesians 4:18.By reason of “Out of,” as a result of (Revelation 8:13). [source]
Revelation 3:18 Refined by fire [πεπυρωμενον εκ πυρος]
Perfect passive participle of πυροω — puroō (as in Revelation 1:15) and the metaphor carried on by εκ πυρος — ek puros “fired by fire.” Purity by removing dross (Psalm 66:10) like 1 Peter 1:7.That thou mayest become rich (ινα πλουτησηις — hina ploutēsēis). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the ingressive first aorist active of πλουτεω — plouteō spiritual riches.That thou mayest clothe thyself Purpose clause with ινα — hina and second aorist middle (direct) subjunctive of περιβαλλω — periballō to fling round one as in Revelation 3:5.Be not made manifest (μη πανερωτηι — mē phanerōthēi). Continued purpose clause with negative μη — mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of πανεροω — phaneroō (γυμνοτητος — gumnotētos). Late and rare word from γυμνος — gumnos naked, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 11:27; Romans 8:35. Cf. Revelation 16:15; Revelation 20:13; 2 Corinthians 5:2.Eye-salve Diminutive of κολλυρα — kollura (coarse bread of cylindrical shape), object of αγορασαι — agorasai name for a famous Phrygian powder for the eyes made in Laodicea (Charles), Latin collyrium (used for eye-salve by Horace and Juvenal).To anoint (εγχρισαι — egchrisai). First aorist active infinitive (epexegetic) of εγχριω — egchriō late compound (εν χριω — enινα βλεπηις — chriō Strabo, Epictetus), to rub in, here only in N.T.That thou mayest see Another purpose clause with hina and the present active subjunctive (keep on seeing). [source]
Revelation 9:7 Unto horses [ιπποις]
Associative-instrumental case, as is the rule with ομοιος — homoios (Revelation 1:15; Revelation 2:18; Revelation 4:6.; Revelation 9:10, Revelation 9:19; Revelation 11:1; Revelation 13:2, Revelation 13:11), but with the accusative in Revelation 1:13; Revelation 14:14. So also ομοιοι χρυσωι — homoioi chrusōi (like gold) in this same verse.Prepared for war (ητοιμασμενοις εις πολεμον — hētoimasmenois eis polemon). Perfect passive participle of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō This imagery of war-horses is like that in Joel 2:4. “The likeness of a locust to a horse, especially to a horse equipped with armour, is so striking that the insect is named in German heupferd (hay horse), and in Italian cavalett a little horse” (Vincent).As it were crowns Not actual crowns, but what looked like crowns of gold, as conquerors, as indeed they were (Revelation 4:4; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 14:14). These locusts of the abyss have another peculiar feature.As men‘s faces (ως προσωπα αντρωπων — hōs prosōpa anthrōpōn). Human-looking faces in these demonic locusts to give added terror, “suggesting the intelligence and capacity of man” (Swete). Vincent actually sees “a distinct resemblance to the human countenance in the face of the locust.” [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 1:15 mean?

and the feet of Him [are] like fine bronze as in a furnace having been refined the voice [is] like [the] voice of waters many
καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης φωνὴ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν

πόδες  feet 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: πούς  
Sense: a foot, both of men or beast.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ὅμοιοι  [are]  like 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ὅμοιος  
Sense: like, similar, resembling.
χαλκολιβάνῳ  fine  bronze 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: χαλκολίβανον  
Sense: some metal like gold if not more precious.
καμίνῳ  a  furnace 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: κάμινος  
Sense: a furnace.
πεπυρωμένης  having  been  refined 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πυρόω  
Sense: to burn with fire, to set on fire, kindle.
φωνὴ  voice 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: φωνή  
Sense: a sound, a tone.
ὡς  [is]  like 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὡς 
Sense: as, like, even as, etc.
φωνὴ  [the]  voice 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: φωνή  
Sense: a sound, a tone.
ὑδάτων  of  waters 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ὕδωρ  
Sense: water.
πολλῶν  many 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.