Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 1:14

"And his head and his hair were white as white wool, [white] as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;" — Revelation 1:14 (ASV)

In an apparent allusion to Daniel, Christ’s head and hair are described as “white like wool, as white as snow” (Daniel 7:9; cf. 10:5). For John, the same functions of ruler and judge ascribed to the “Ancient of Days” in Daniel’s vision relate to Jesus. In Eastern countries, white hair commands respect and indicates the wisdom of years. This part of the vision may have shown John something of the deity and wisdom of Christ (cf. Col. 2:3). Christ’s eyes were like a “blazing fire,” a detail not found in Da 7 but occurring in Da 10:6. This simile is repeated in the letter to Thyatira (2:18) and in the vision of Christ’s triumphant return and defeat of his enemies (19:12). It may portray either his penetrating scrutiny or fierce judgment.