Devine Scripture

Revelation 10:8

What does Revelation 10:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 10:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 10:8 means

The heavenly voice returns, instructing John to approach the angel and take the open book. Revelation is not mere spectacle; it demands participation. John must draw near and receive what God offers. The book is already open, accessible; yet it will not leap into his hands—he must obey the directive. This anticipates a deeper act than holding: he will be told to eat it, to internalize God’s word so it shapes his speech. The scene emphasizes that true prophecy springs from received, ingested revelation, not human speculation. God calls His servant to active, obedient reception before public proclamation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard it again speaking with me, and saying, Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel that standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard it again speaking with me, and saying, Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel that standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the voice came to me again from heaven, saying, Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who has his place on the sea and on the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the voice that I heard out of the heaven is again speaking with me, and saying, `Go, take the little scroll that is open in the hand of the messenger who hath been standing upon the sea, and upon the land:'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I heard a voice from heaven, again speaking to me and saying: Go and take the book that is open, from the hand of the angel who standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the voice which I heard out of the heaven [was] again speaking with me, and saying, Go, take the little book which is opened in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the earth.

Context

Having announced the nearing fulfillment of God’s mystery, the vision turns to the prophet’s calling. The external majesty of the angel gives way to a personal command: John must take the book. This prepares for the symbolic action of eating in the next verse, signaling that the message must enter the messenger. The flow shifts from cosmic oath to intimate obedience, underscoring that God advances His plan through servants who first receive His word deeply.

v.7but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then is finished the mystery of God, according to the good tidings which he declared to his servants the prophets.

v.8This passage

v.9And I went unto the angel, saying unto him that he should give me the little book. And he saith unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but in thy mouth it shall be sweet as honey.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 10:4

    And 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.

  • Isaiah 30:21

    and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

  • Revelation 10:2

    and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth;

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