Symbols in the book of revelation use this sheet for reference as you read the book of revelation. 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. Please pick out the symbol that interests you and discuss. Some of these are explained in the other two articles on revelation in this issue. To those who claim that it is all symbolic and beyond our understanding, i say that the book of revelation is to be taken literally. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. So we should interpret the rest of the book symbolically. Becoming familiar with symbols in the book of revelation helps unlock its meanings. This is not going to be an exhaustive breakdown of all of the symbols and numbers but, rather, a demonstration of some tendencies that exist in scripture, and some things that can be discerned about the book.
Indeed, the use of major symbols is uniform throughout revelation. Church elders and scholars have debated for nearly 2,000 years about what all the signs and symbols of revelation mean. Order of end time events 46 part 2b the first scroll. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers.
An illustrated guide to the future swaggart, jimmy on. Some people say that the book of revelation is literal. Bible symbols chart help us reduce the maintenance cost of our online services. In iconography, the evangelists often appear in evangelist portraits derived from classical tradition, and are also frequently represented by the symbols which originate from the four living creatures that draw the thronechariot of god, the merkabah, in the vision in the book of ezekiel reflected in the book of revelation, though neither. The author of the book of revelation, saint john the divine, offers a transcription of seven letters and later describes strange beasts, visions of judgments, governments, demonic battles, heaven, and a new world order a prophetic vision for the end of the world. Symbols are frequently employed in the book of revelation within similes where resemblance is emphasized.
Further, modern revelation, as noted, helpfully elucidates and provides the key to understanding others. Also it will be symbolic of reality, and the reality will be more real than the symbol for the simple reason that john uses symbols to describe reality. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. Some have become quite well known to the public, particularly in the late twentieth century. Symbols and numbers in revelation south fulton street. Use this sheet for reference as you read the book of revelation. To help you in your understanding, study the chart below. This revelation timeline decoded bible study shows how revelation uses symbols to explain the literal fulfillment some people say that the apocalyptic message is only symbolic and not literal they are saying that there is no literal historical fulfillment of the prophecies.
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. Symbols in the book of revelation jan 17th 2020, 10. 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. The main way, however, to understand why there is so much symbolism in revelation is to understand that john is a prophet like jesus and the old testament pr ophets. The reason many have difficulty in understanding this book lies not only in interpreting the symbols, but also in failing to take note of the suggestions that are given in the first eight verses. Book of cosmic symbols to understand revelation it is helpful to think of this writing as first and foremost a book of symbols. Symbols used in revelation include numbers, seals, trumpets, bowls, measuring the temple, and many others. A picture book the importance of symbolism in revelation. And that same message is still relevant for us now. The book s vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced 4. Revelation often has references to symbolism from other prophecies and visions, like the. Chiastic structure is key to understanding revelations.
The designation of symbols must be on an individual basis. Is this true, or did god inspire a highly organized structure that is a vital key to understanding the meaning of the book of revelation. Revelation greek apokalupsis means an uncovering, an unveiling, or a disclosure. Given that the book of revelation is at one and the same time an apocalyptic, prophetic, and futuristic text, it should come as no surprise that the book is filled with symbols and imagery laced with alternative meaning. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to courses on the book of revelation in both the church and the academy. The trumpets, seals, bowls, beasts, and so forth, all have a fixed and consistent meaning. Revelation the apocalyptic message is both symbolic and. However, even though the book of revelation is written in symbols, the bible explains itself in a literal language. So we dont look to specific events to happen a specific time in history.
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. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. The seven seals and the seven trumpets 611 symbols in revelation. This verse literally says that the book is mainly going to be symbols. Ive put together a chart of symbols from revelation chapter 12 to17. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. Once you understand the meaning of the symbol, bible prophecy becomes plain. 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. It is the only book of the new testament classified as apocalyptic literature rather than didactic or historical, indicating thereby its extensive use of visions, symbols, and allegory, especially in connection with future events. Find out how god reveals truth to those who believe. Darkness the well known symbol of calamity and affliction. By using symbolic images and prophetic pictures, god is able to condense thousands of years of history into a very small space.
Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Jimmy swagart breaks down each detail of the book of revelation. The book of revelation is filled with mysterious symbols. For example, we see the victorious christ, riding on a horse revelation 19. The book of revelation was written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. Symbols in the book of revelation christian forums. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. When people read the book of revelation they encounter this vast array of symbols. Part 1 letters to the seven churches part 2a the first scroll. T the context allows most of the meanings to be ascertained. Because your computer is running an older version of internet browser, it no longer meets the features of modern websites. To read the word of god in this apocalyptic book without letting our imagination give us misguided.
Because revelation is a vision, it is full of symbolism. Symbols in the book of revelation a virtuous woman. Symbolism in the book of revelation the bart ehrman blog. The lord employs symbols in almost every sentence of the revelation. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation 1. Huge dragons attempt to swallow children, a beast with multiple heads arises from the midst of the sea, angels dump golden bowls out on the. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. The good news is that the bible always explains itself. Tx001782 2handout8esymbols in the book of revelation. Unlike most books of the bible, revelation contains its own title.
Symbols in the book of revelation bibleforums christian. The book of revelation is written in a style very rich in symbols and images. Wedding day of the lamb gods reign is about to begin. The book of revelation has so many strange symbols and imagery.
Symbolism in the book of revelation i will soon conclude this thread dealing with the ancient use of letters of the alphabet for numerals by discussing the most famous instance of them all, the number of the beast in the book of revelation. Wilsons charts cover a range of historical, literary, rhetorical, and interpretive issues that will guide the careful student in making more viable interpretations of this difficult yet enriching book. The book of revelation and symbolism hills bible church. Symbols in the book of revelation a reference sheet for the symbols that are used in the book of revelation. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to. The apocalyptic book of revelation is a symbolic glimpse. Decoding revelation 1 christians everywhere are thoroughly confused about the book of revelation and the other prophetic books of the bible. Each symbol must be carefully examined, weighed, and adequately supported by strong evidence before a symbolical designation is made. The visions in this book run parallel to one another.
Many years ago, i was involved in a public seminar for the community explaining the prophecies of the last days, and there was. This revelation timeline decoded bible study provides a table of symbols that were used by john in the book of revelation. Symbols in the book of revelation saint marys press. Symbols in the book of revelation semnele vremurilor.
Most people who read the book of revelation for the first time get the impression that it is a confusing onslaught of incomprehensible symbols with no apparent structure or organization. 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. Each prophetic symbol is clearly explained in scripture. An apocalyptic letter, it relies on visions, symbols, and old testament references to reveal the ultimate fulfillment of gods promise given to abraham in genesis. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. In revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders. Understanding the apocalyptic imagery and symbols of the book of. T o understand the way john communicates as a pr ophet. Understanding the apocalyptic imagery and symbols of the. The book of revelation doesnt mean what you think theres more to understanding this ancient book than you realize. The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in daniel and revelation alone.
The number seven can be found almost anywhere you look in revelation. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. One revolution of the earth on its axis is a symbol of its annual revolution in its orbit. This prophecy was given to john in a series of visions. Today im sharing all about 88 symbols in the book of revelation and showing you exactly what they mean. And you apply these symbols used in revelation that were taken from the old testament to the life of jesus and the early church. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.
The symbolism in book of revelation mike blume ministries. The meaning of symbols in the book of revelation wordbytes. Revelation symbols defined revelation timeline decoded. Given that the book of revelation is at one and the same time an apocalyptic, prophetic, and.