Devine Scripture

Revelation 10:9

What does Revelation 10:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 10:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 10:9 means

John obeys and asks for the little book. The angel commands him to take and eat it, promising a paradox: sweetness in the mouth, bitterness in the belly. God’s word delights because it reveals His character, promises, and purposes; it is honey to the taste. Yet when that same word is digested—when its judgments, sufferings, and the cost of witness sink in—it brings distress. The prophet’s task is not sentimental. He must proclaim truth that comforts and truth that wounds before it heals. The sign-act teaches that authentic ministry involves joy in revelation and anguish at its implications for a rebellious world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I went to the angel, and said to him, Give me the little book. And he said to me: Put it in your mouth; and it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I went away unto the messenger, saying to him, `Give me the little scroll;' and he saith to me, `Take, and eat it up, and it shall make thy belly bitter, but in thy mouth it shall be sweet--as honey.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I went to the angel, saying to him to give me the little book. And he says to me, Take and eat it up: and it shall make thy belly bitter, but in thy mouth it shall be sweet as honey.

Context

The command to take the book becomes a deeper directive to eat it. This prepares for the fulfillment in the next verse, where John experiences the promised sweetness and bitterness. The narrative is teaching by enacted parable: the message’s nature will be felt before it is spoken. Immediately afterward, the commission to prophesy again will flow naturally from this internalization, grounding proclamation in lived encounter with God’s word.

v.8And 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.

v.9This passage

v.10And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and when I had eaten it, my belly was made bitter.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 3:6

    for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:

  • Job 23:12

    I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

  • Ezekiel 3:1

    And he said unto me, Son of man, eat that which thou findest; eat this roll, and go, speak unto the house of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 2:8

    But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that which I give thee.

  • Ezekiel 3:14

    So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Jehovah was strong upon me.

  • Jeremiah 15:16

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Jehovah, God of hosts.

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