Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:27

What does Revelation 2:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:27 means

Expanding the promise, Jesus says the overcomer will rule with a rod of iron, shattering resistance like fragile pottery—just as He has received authority from His Father. This language evokes the Messiah’s unbreakable, just dominion. Believers do not seize power; they share in Christ’s bestowed authority. The imagery assures that evil will not finally prevail; Christ’s government will be strong and purifying. Those who endure with Him will participate in His decisive victory, exercising righteous oversight rather than oppressive force. The basis is Christ’s own commission from the Father, guaranteeing the promise’s certainty and scope.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he will be ruling them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of the potter they will be broken, even as I have power from my Father:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he shall rule them with a rod of iron--as the vessels of the potter they shall be broken--as I also have received from my Father;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessel of a potter they shall be broken:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and he shall shepherd them with an iron rod; as vessels of pottery are they broken in pieces, as I also have received from my Father;

Context

This verse elaborates verse 26’s promise, grounding it in Christ’s received authority. It emphasizes the messianic character of the rule believers share. The next verse (verse 28) adds a more intimate gift—the morning star—complementing the public, royal promise with personal fellowship and hope. The letter will close with the familiar call to hear (verse 29), ending the chapter’s series of four messages.

v.26And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:

v.27This passage

v.28and I will give him the morning star.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 30:14

    And he shall break it as a potter’s vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing; so that there shall not be found among the pieces thereof a sherd wherewith to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern.

  • Psalms 49:14

    They are appointed as a flock for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd: And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be for Sheol to consume, That there be no habitation for it.

  • John 17:24

    Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

  • Revelation 12:5

    And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne.

  • Jeremiah 19:11

    and shalt say unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter’s vessel, that cannot be made whole again; and they shall bury in Topheth, till there be no place to bury.

  • Matthew 11:27

    All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.

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