Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 19:13

"And he [is] arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God." — Revelation 19:13 (ASV)

The imagery in this verse has traditionally been related to Isa 63:1–6, a passage understood messianically by the Jews and one that John has used in portraying God’s wrath in 14:9–11, 17–19. Isaiah pictures a mighty warriorMessiah who slaughters his enemies. Their life-blood splashes on his clothing as he tramples them down in his anger, just as the juice of grapes splashes on the wine-treader in the winepress. But is Christ’s blood-dipped robe red from his enemies’ blood or from his own blood? There are good reasons for accepting the latter. If the blood is his enemies’, how is it that Christ comes from heaven with his robe already dipped in blood before any battle is mentioned? Moreover, the blood mentioned in connection with Christ in the Apocalypse is always his own life-blood (1:5; 5:6, 9; 7:14; 12:11). The word “dipped” (GK 970) does not fit the imagery of Isa 63:2; but it does fit that used in Revelation of believers’ garments being washed thoroughly in Christ’s blood (7:14; 22:14). Finally, the sword with which Christ strikes down the nations comes from his mouth and is not in his hand (v.15); this too is incompatible with battle imagery.

Applying the expression “the Word of God” to Jesus in a personal sense is peculiar to the Johannine writings (Jn 1:1, 14; cf. 1Jn 1:1). In Revelation “the Word of God” refers to the revelation of God’s purpose (1:2; 17:17; 19:9). It is also the message and lifestyle for which the saints suffer oppression and even death (1:9; 6:9; 20:4). The adjectives “true and faithful,” applied to Christ, are likewise identified with the Word of God (19:9; 21:5; 22:6; cf. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11). Thus Jesus in his earthly life bore reliable and consistent witness in all his words and actions to the purposes of God and was completely obedient in doing this. In him the will of God found full expression. The Word of God and the person of Christ are one.