New International VersionHe was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
New Living TranslationAnd in his hand was a small scroll that had been opened. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
English Standard VersionHe had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land,
Berean Standard BibleHe held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
Berean Literal Bibleand having in his hand a little scroll being open. And he placed his right foot upon the sea, and the left upon the earth.
King James BibleAnd he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
New King James VersionHe had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
New American Standard Bibleand he had in his hand a little scroll, which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land;
NASB 1995and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land;
NASB 1977and he had in his hand a little book which was open. And he placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land;
Legacy Standard Bibleand he had in his hand a little scroll which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the earth,
Amplified Bibleand he had a little book (scroll) open in his hand. He set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land;
Christian Standard Bibleand he held a little scroll opened in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea, his left on the land,
Holman Christian Standard Bibleand he had a little scroll opened in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea, his left on the land,
American Standard Versionand he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth;
Contemporary English Versionand with his hand he held a little scroll that had been unrolled. He stood there with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
English Revised Versionand he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe held a small, opened scroll in his hand. He set his right foot on the sea and his left on the land.
Good News TranslationHe had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
International Standard VersionHe held a small, opened scroll in his hand. Setting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
NET BibleHe held in his hand a little scroll that was open, and he put his right foot on the sea and his left on the land.
New Heart English BibleHe had in his hand a little open scroll. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
Weymouth New TestamentIn his hand he held a small scroll unrolled; and, planting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe held in his hand a scroll, which lay open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
World English BibleHe had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he had in his hand a little scroll opened, and he placed his right foot on the sea, and the left on the land,
Berean Literal Bibleand having in his hand a little scroll being open. And he placed his right foot upon the sea, and the left upon the earth.
Young's Literal Translation and he had in his hand a little scroll opened, and he did place his right foot upon the sea, and the left upon the land,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he had in his hand a small book opened: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and the left upon the earth, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he held in his hand a small open book. And he stationed his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the land.
New American BibleIn his hand he held a small scroll that had been opened. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
New Revised Standard VersionHe held a little scroll open in his hand. Setting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the land,
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he had a small scroll opened in his hand and he placed his right foot on the Sea, but the left on The Earth; NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he had in his hand a little book opened; and he placed his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land;
Godbey New Testamentand having in his hand a little open book. And he placed his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth,
Haweis New Testamentand he held in his hand a little book open; and he placed his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land,
Mace New Testamenthe held in his hand a little book open: his right foot was upon the sea, and his left foot on the land.
Weymouth New TestamentIn his hand he held a small scroll unrolled; and, planting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
Worrell New TestamentAnd he had in his hand a little book opened; and he set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land;
Worsley New TestamentAnd he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Angel and the Small Scroll1Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire. 2He heldinhishanda small scroll,which lay open.He placedhisrightfootontheseaandhisleft footontheland.3Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.…
Cross References Daniel 12:7And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”
Ezekiel 2:9-10Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll, / which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.
Ezekiel 3:1-3“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” / So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll. / “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Daniel 8:26The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been spoken is true. Now you must seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”
Daniel 10:5-6I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.
Zechariah 5:1-2Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. / “What do you see?” asked the angel. “I see a flying scroll,” I replied, “twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.”
Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Revelation 5:1Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.
Revelation 8:3-5Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. / Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
Revelation 11:1-2Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. / But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.
Revelation 11:15Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 12:6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days.
Revelation 14:6-7Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. / And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.”
Revelation 19:11-16Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...
Isaiah 29:11And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.”
Treasury of Scripture And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the earth, a little. Revelation 10:10 And 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 as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. Revelation 5:1-5 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals… Revelation 6:1,3 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see… he set. Revelation 10:5,8 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, … Psalm 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall givethee the heathenfor thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earthfor thy possession. Psalm 65:5By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation;who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar offupon the sea: Jump to Previous BookEarthFootHandHeldHoldingLittleOpenPlacedPlantedPlantingRightScrollSeaSmallUnrolledJump to Next BookEarthFootHandHeldHoldingLittleOpenPlacedPlantedPlantingRightScrollSeaSmallUnrolledRevelation 10 1.A mighty strong angel appears with a book open in his hand.6.He swears by him who lives forever, that there shall be no more time.9.John is commanded to take and eat the book.He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open.The "small scroll" in the angel's hand is significant in the context of Revelation. Unlike the sealed scroll in Revelation 5, this scroll is open, indicating that its contents are ready to be revealed. The open scroll suggests the transparency and imminence of God's message. In biblical symbolism, scrolls often represent divine revelation or prophecy. The fact that it is "small" may imply a specific or focused message, possibly related to the events that follow in the narrative. This scroll could be seen as a continuation or further explanation of the larger scroll, emphasizing the unfolding of God's plan. The act of holding the scroll signifies authority and the readiness to deliver its message, reminiscent of Ezekiel 2:9-10, where Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the internalization of God's word. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
The angel's stance, with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizes dominion and authority over the entire earth. This imagery reflects the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty, encompassing both the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the sea and the stability of the land. In ancient times, the sea often represented chaos and danger, while the land symbolized order and security. By standing on both, the angel demonstrates control over all creation, echoing the dominion given to humanity inGenesis 1:28. This act also signifies the universality of the message contained in the scroll, indicating that it pertains to all of creation. The positioning of the feet may also allude to the promise of God's ultimate victory over evil, as seen inPsalm 8:6, where God places all things under His feet. This imagery reinforces the theme of divine authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Mighty AngelThis figure is a powerful angelic being, distinct from the seven angels with trumpets. His appearance and actions signify authority and divine message. 2. The Small ScrollThe scroll is open, indicating that its contents are meant to be revealed and understood. It symbolizes a message or revelation from God. 3. The Sea and the LandThe angel's stance with one foot on the sea and the other on the land represents dominion over the entire earth, both maritime and terrestrial realms. Teaching Points Divine Authority and SovereigntyThe angel's stance over the sea and land emphasizes God's ultimate authority over all creation. Believers are reminded of God's control over every aspect of life and the world. Revelation and UnderstandingThe open scroll signifies that God desires to reveal His plans to His people. Christians are encouraged to seek understanding and wisdom from God's Word. Proclamation of God's MessageJust as the scroll is open and ready to be read, believers are called to proclaim God's message boldly and faithfully, trusting in His timing and purpose. Preparedness for God's RevelationThe readiness of the scroll suggests that believers should be prepared to receive and act upon God's revelations in their lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Revelation 10:2?
2.How does Revelation 10:2's "little scroll" relate to God's revealed plans for us?
3.What significance does the "open" scroll have in understanding God's accessible truth?
4.How can we apply the angel's authority in Revelation 10:2 to our lives?
5.What Old Testament connections can be drawn from the imagery in Revelation 10:2?
6.How does Revelation 10:2 encourage us to trust in God's ultimate authority?
7.What is the significance of the "little scroll" in Revelation 10:2?
8.Why does the angel stand on both sea and land in Revelation 10:2?
9.How does Revelation 10:2 relate to God's sovereignty over creation?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 10?
11.How can an angel physically stand on land and sea simultaneously (Revelation 10:2) without defying known laws of physics?
12.Who is Abaddon or Apollyon in religious texts?
13.What is the book John eats in Revelation 10?
14.In Job 10:2, why does Job challenge God to clarify his wrongdoing if God is all-knowing and just?What Does Revelation 10:2 Mean He held in his hand a small scroll-Revelation 10 introduces a “mighty angel” whose appearance echoes God’s majesty (compareRevelation 10:1 withRevelation 4:3). In his hand is a “small scroll”—distinct from the larger, once-sealed scroll ofRevelation 5:1. - The size points to a focused message, soon to be eaten by John (Revelation 10:9-10), rather than the full drama of the seven seals. - This mirrors Ezekiel’s call: “I saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll of a book” (Ezekiel 2:9-10). Ezekiel had to eat that scroll before speaking (Ezekiel 3:1-3); John will do the same, showing God’s consistent pattern of commissioning prophets. - The scroll is therefore God’s word—already written, already true, already authoritative—now placed directly into the servant’s hand for immediate proclamation (Revelation 10:11).
which lay open- An open scroll means the content is no longer hidden. Unlike the sealed book ofRevelation 5, this message is ready to be understood and declared. - Daniel was told, “Seal the book until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4). Here, that restriction is lifted; God is signaling that the appointed season has arrived. - Later, John hears, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:10). The open scroll in chapter 10 pre-figures that command: nothing is to be obscured when God is unveiling judgment and redemption. - Practically, the openness reassures believers that the Lord is neither vague nor enigmatic about the future. What He wants us to know, He openly publishes (Amos 3:7).
He placed his right foot on the sea- The angel’s stance dramatizes authority. In Scripture the sea often pictures chaos and the nations (Isaiah 17:12-13;Daniel 7:2-3). By planting his right foot there, the messenger claims dominion over everything turbulent and untamed. - “You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them” (Psalm 89:9). The same God who calmed Galilee (Mark 4:39) now stakes His claim over global unrest. - The right foot—biblically associated with strength and favor (cf.Matthew 25:33)—underscores confidence that God’s plan cannot be overturned by the powers that rise from the deep.
and his left foot on the land- Land in prophecy commonly represents settled, organized society—kingdoms, commerce, daily life (Genesis 1:9-12;Psalm 24:1). Placing the other foot here completes the picture: the entire created order is under divine jurisdiction. - “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). The angel’s stance echoes that promise on a cosmic scale. -Psalm 95:5 unites both realms: “The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land”. With one foot on each, the angel visually proclaims that the forthcoming judgments and mercies will touch every corner of earth.
summaryRevelation 10:2 presents a heavenly herald holding an already-open, focused message, visibly asserting God’s sovereign right over sea and land. The scene shows that: • God’s word is clear, revealed, and ready to be proclaimed. • Nothing—whether the restless nations or the stable civilizations—lies outside His authority. • The forthcoming prophecies are certain, for the same Lord who rules the waves also owns the soil beneath our feet. Verse 2. - And he had in his hand a little book open. Ἔχων, "having," is read in א, A, B, C, P; εἴχεν, "he had," in a few cursives, the Vulgate, Andreas, Arethas, Primasius. The meaning is the same. The word βιβλαρίδιον, "little book," is a diminutive of βιβλίον ( Revelation 5:1), which is itself a diminutive of βίβλος. This form of the word is found nowhere else; the corresponding usual form is βιβλιδαρίον. The book is probably little in comparison with that in Revelation 5:1. The latter contained all God's purposes, and the seer was not permitted to read it - only part was indicated to him. This book contains only a small portion of God's methods of dealing with man, and St. John is commanded to receive the whole. The contents are indicated in ver. 11 and the following chapter. The book is open, as a sign that what is contained therein is to be revealed. Bede thinks the New Testament is signified by it; Wordsworth sees in it the spiritual power of Rome; Hengstenberg considers that it contains the judgment of the degenerate Church. And he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth. Thus it is indicated that the revelation which is to follow affects the whole world, and is not partial in its operation, as were the judgments set forth under the earlier trumpets. Wordsworth (following Hengstenberg) sees in the earth an emblem of worldly power, and in the sea a symbol of the agitation and turbulence of nations.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek He heldἔχων(echōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.handχειρὶ(cheiri)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495:A hand.a small scroll,βιβλαρίδιον(biblaridion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 974:A little papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblion; a booklet.which lay open.ἠνεῳγμένον(ēneōgmenon)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 455:To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.He placedἔθηκεν(ethēken)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5087:To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.rightδεξιὸν(dexion)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1188:On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.footπόδα(poda)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4228:The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.onἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.seaθαλάσσης(thalassēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281:Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[his]τὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.left [foot]εὐώνυμον(euōnymon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2176:From eu and onoma; properly, well-named, i.e. The left; neuter as adverbial, at the left hand.onἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.land.γῆς(gēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093:Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 10:2 He had in his hand a little (Rev. Re Apocalypse) |
