Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 19:12

Albert Barnes Commentary

Revelation 19:12

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Revelation 19:12

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And his eyes [are] a flame of fire, and upon his head [are] many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself." — Revelation 19:12 (ASV)

His eyes were as a flame of fire. See Barnes on Revelation 1:14.

And on his head were many crowns. Many diadems, indicative of his universal reign. It is not said how these were worn or arranged on his head—perhaps the various diadems worn by kings were in some way wreathed into one.

And he had a name written. That is, probably on the frontlet of this compound diadem. Compare Barnes on Revelation 13:1; see also Barnes on Revelation 14:1.

That no man knew but he himself. See Barnes on Revelation 2:17.

This cannot here mean that no one could read the name, but the idea is that no one but himself could fully understand its import. It involved a depth of meaning, and a degree of sacredness, and a relation to the Father, which he alone could apprehend in its true import.

This is true of the name here designated—"the word of God"—the Logoslogov; and it is true of all the names which he bears. See Matthew 11:27. Compare a quotation from Dr. Buchanan in the Asiatic Researches, vol. i., vi. p. 264, as quoted by Rosenmuller, Morgenland, in loc.