Devine Scripture

Revelation 10:5

What does Revelation 10:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 10:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 10:5 means

The angel stands astride sea and earth and lifts his right hand to heaven, taking a formal oath before God. This posture adds solemn weight to what follows and assures that the decree is binding. The messenger does not speak on his own; he appeals to the highest court. In times of chaos and persecution, believers need more than impressions—they need sworn assurances rooted in God’s character. The raised hand signals that the announcement will touch all creation, matching his stance over sea and land. It also alerts the reader: what comes next is not tentative; it is settled by heaven’s authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the angel that I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his right hand to heaven,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the angel that I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his right hand to heaven,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the angel which I saw taking his position on the sea and on the earth, put up his right hand to heaven,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the messenger whom I saw standing upon the sea, and upon the land, did lift up his hand to the heaven,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the angel whom I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the angel whom I saw stand on the sea and on the earth lifted up his right hand to the heaven,

Context

After the withheld message of the thunders, attention returns to the visible, public act of the angel. The lifted hand indicates an oath is coming, transitioning from veiled mystery to explicit promise. This prepares for the content of the oath in the next verse: there will be no more delay. Understanding the solemnity of the gesture helps the reader grasp the gravity and certainty of the timing that will be announced.

v.4And when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying, Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

v.5This passage

v.6and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created the heaven and the things that are therein, and the earth and the things that are therein, and the sea and the things that are therein, that there shall be delay no longer:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 1:18

    and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

  • Romans 1:20

    For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:

  • Exodus 20:11

    for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

  • Genesis 22:15

    And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven,

  • Acts 17:23

    For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you.

  • Revelation 14:7

    and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.

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