Revelation 1:15

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 1:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Revelation 1:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace, etc.] By which is meant, not his human nature in a suffering state; or his people, the meaner and lower parts of his mystical body, in a like state; or his apostles and ministers, who are supporters of his church, and run to and fro with spiritual knowledge, for which, though they suffer much, are permanent and glorious; but either the power of Christ in bearing up and supporting his people, in the care and government and defence of them; or his ways, works, and walks in his churches, and all his providential administrations towards them, which are holy, just, and righteous, and will be manifest; or his wrath and vengeance in…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“fine brass--Greek, "chalcolibanus," derived by some from two Greek words, "brass" and "frankincense"; derived by BOCHART from Greek, "chalcos," "brass," and Hebrew, "libbeen," "to whiten"; hence, "brass," which in the furnace has reached a white heat. Thus it answers to "burnished (flashing, or glowing) brass," Eze 1:7; Rev 10:1, "His feet as pillars of fire." Translate, "Glowing brass, as if they had been made fiery (red-hot) in a furnace." The feet of the priests were bare in ministering in the sanctuary. So our great High Priest here. voice as . . . many waters-- (Eze 43:2); in Dan 10:6, it is "like the voice of a multitude." As the Bridegroom's voice, so the bride's, Rev 14:2; Rev 19:6;…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And his feet like unto fine brass - Compare Daniel 10:6, “And his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass.” See also Ezekiel 1:7, “and they” (the feet of the living creatures) “sparkled like the color of burnished brass.” The word used here - χαλκολιβάνω chalkolibanō - occurs in the New Testament only here and in Revelation 2:18. It is not found in the Septuagint. The word properly means “white brass” (probably compounded of χαλκός chalkos, brass, and λίβανος libanos, whiteness, from the Hebrew לבן laban, white). Others regard it as from χαλκός chalkos, brass, and λιπαρόν liparon, clear. The metal referred to was undoubtedly a species of brass distinguished for its clearness…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And his feet like fine brass - Denoting his stability and strength. As if they burned in a furnace - As if having been melted and refined, they were still red hot. And his voice - To the comfort of his friends, and the terror of his enemies. As the voice of many waters - Roaring aloud, and bearing down all before them. Revelation 1:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:15 Refined or hardened bronze in the feet implies stability, firmness, and security (cp. Dan 10:6). • The thundering voice suggests God’s power—when he speaks, he will be heard (cp. Ezek 43:2).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“his feet: Rev 2:18; Eze 1:7, Eze 40:3; Dan 10:6 his voice: Rev 14:2, Rev 19:6; Psa 93:4; Isa 17:13; Eze 43:2 Revelation 1:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification