Revelation 19:14
The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses.
The armies of heaven
This phrase evokes a powerful image of divine forces, suggesting a celestial host that accompanies Christ. The Greek word for "armies" is "στρατεύματα" (strateumata), which can refer to a military force or a group organized for a specific purpose. In the context of Revelation, these armies are not merely symbolic but represent the real and active participation of heavenly beings in God's final victory over evil. Historically, the concept of heavenly armies is rooted in Jewish apocalyptic literature, where angelic hosts are often depicted as God's agents in executing divine judgment. This imagery reassures believers of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, emphasizing that they are not alone in their spiritual battles.

dressed in fine linen
The attire of the heavenly armies is significant, as "fine linen" symbolizes purity and righteousness. The Greek word "βύσσινον" (bussinon) refers to a high-quality, bright, and clean fabric, often associated with priestly garments and the attire of the redeemed. In Revelation, fine linen is explicitly linked to "the righteous acts of the saints" (Revelation 19:8, BSB), underscoring the idea that those who follow Christ are clothed in righteousness. This imagery serves as an encouragement to believers to live lives of holiness and integrity, knowing that their faithfulness is recognized and honored by God.

white and clean
The description of the linen as "white and clean" further emphasizes the themes of purity and holiness. The color white in biblical symbolism often represents purity, victory, and divine approval. The Greek word for "white" is "λευκός" (leukos), which conveys brightness and brilliance. "Clean" is translated from "καθαρός" (katharos), meaning free from impurity or blemish. Together, these terms highlight the sanctified state of those who are part of the heavenly armies, reflecting their moral and spiritual purity. This serves as a reminder to believers of the transformative power of Christ's redemption, which cleanses and prepares them for participation in His ultimate victory.

followed Him on white horses
The image of the armies following Christ on "white horses" is rich with symbolism. In ancient times, horses were associated with warfare and conquest, and a white horse, in particular, signified victory and triumph. The Greek word for "followed" is "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō), which implies discipleship and allegiance. This suggests that the heavenly armies are not only accompanying Christ but are also fully aligned with His mission and purpose. The white horses symbolize the victorious nature of their mission, reinforcing the certainty of Christ's triumph over evil. For believers, this imagery is a powerful reminder of the call to follow Christ faithfully, assured of His ultimate victory and the promise of eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Armies of Heaven
This refers to the celestial beings or possibly the redeemed saints who accompany Christ in His triumphant return. They are depicted as a disciplined and holy force, symbolizing purity and righteousness.

2. Fine Linen, White and Pure
The attire of the heavenly armies signifies holiness and righteousness. In biblical symbolism, white linen often represents purity and the righteous acts of the saints.

3. White Horses
In ancient times, white horses were symbols of victory and conquest. The use of white horses here emphasizes the triumphant and victorious nature of Christ's return.

4. Christ (Him)
The central figure leading the armies of heaven. This passage is part of the larger context of Christ's second coming, where He returns as a victorious King and Judge.

5. The Second Coming
This event marks the return of Jesus Christ to earth, a pivotal moment in Christian eschatology where He establishes His kingdom and executes judgment.
Teaching Points
The Purity of the Saints
The fine linen represents the righteousness of the saints. Believers are called to live lives of purity and holiness, reflecting the righteousness of Christ.

Victory in Christ
The white horses symbolize victory. Christians can find assurance in the ultimate victory of Christ over evil and are encouraged to live victoriously in their daily lives.

Participation in Christ's Mission
The armies of heaven following Christ illustrate the call for believers to participate in His mission. We are invited to follow Christ faithfully, both now and in the future.

The Certainty of Christ's Return
This passage assures believers of the certainty of Christ's return. It encourages readiness and anticipation, living in a way that honors His imminent return.

Unity with Christ
The unity of the heavenly armies with Christ highlights the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Believers are called to work together in harmony, reflecting the unity of heaven.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the armies of heaven dressed in fine linen inspire you to pursue righteousness in your own life?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of white horses encourage you to live victoriously as a follower of Christ?

3. How does the certainty of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and priorities?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are participating in Christ's mission on earth?

5. How can the unity of the heavenly armies with Christ serve as a model for unity within your local church community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 19:8
This verse describes the bride of Christ, the church, being given fine linen to wear, which represents the righteous acts of the saints. It connects to the attire of the heavenly armies, emphasizing purity and righteousness.

Zechariah 14:5
This Old Testament prophecy speaks of the Lord coming with His holy ones, which parallels the imagery of the armies of heaven accompanying Christ.

Jude 1:14-15
Jude references Enoch's prophecy about the Lord coming with thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment, aligning with the theme of Christ's return with a heavenly host.

Matthew 24:30-31
Jesus speaks of His return with power and great glory, accompanied by angels, which complements the imagery of Revelation 19:14.
Armies Invisible and Distant on the Side of GoodD. Thomas Revelation 19:14
The Eternal in the Universe, and His Representative to ManD. Thomas Revelation 19:1-21
Armies Invisible and Distant on the Side of the GoodHomilistRevelation 19:11-16
Christ a KingJ. Foot, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
Christ and His CrownsThe StudyRevelation 19:11-16
Christ's Kingly AuthorityWm. Ramsay.Revelation 19:11-16
Christ's Kingly OfficeDean Alford.Revelation 19:11-16
King of Kings, and Lord of LordsW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
Many CrownsW. M. Statham, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
Many Crowns -- Christ as KingR. H. Parr, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
SupremacyJ. Irons.Revelation 19:11-16
The Crowned ChristA. J. Lyman, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The Crowns of ChristT. W. Mays, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Dignities of ChristHomilistRevelation 19:11-16
The Four Names of ChristS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Grand ReviewT. De Witt Talmage.Revelation 19:11-16
The Kingdom of ChristC. Clayton, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Many CrownsBp. Woodford.Revelation 19:11-16
The Mark of the BeastH. Macmillan, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The Redeemer's CrownsPreacher's Portfolio.Revelation 19:11-16
The Rider on the White Horse and the Armies with HimC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 19:11-16
The Royalty of the Glorified RedeemerR. S. McAll, LL. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The Saviour CrownedM. Braithwaite.Revelation 19:11-16
The Saviour's Many CrownsC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 19:11-16
The Supreme Kingship of ChristRichard Roberts.Revelation 19:11-16
The Victory of the Word of GodD. K. Greer, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The War in HeavenC. Kingsley, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Word of GodHomilistRevelation 19:11-16
The Four Names of ChristS. Conway Revelation 19:11-21
The Holy WarR. Green Revelation 19:11-21
People
John
Places
Patmos
Topics
Armies, Arrayed, Clad, Clean, Clothed, Delicate, Dressed, Fine, Followed, Heaven, Horses, Linen, Mounted, Pure, Riding, Spotless
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 19:14

     4657   horse
     4807   colours
     5208   armies
     5392   linen
     7342   cleanliness

Revelation 19:11-14

     4859   white

Revelation 19:11-16

     1075   God, justice of
     2024   Christ, glory of
     2309   Christ, as judge
     4546   winepress
     5700   headship

Revelation 19:11-21

     2372   Christ, victory
     5127   back

Library
January 22. "His Wife Hath Made Herself Ready" (Rev. xix. 7).
"His wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. xix. 7). There is danger in becoming morbid even in preparing for the Lord's coming. We remember a time in our life when we had devoted ourselves to spend a month in waiting upon the Lord for a baptism of the Holy Ghost, and before the end of the month, the Lord shook us out of our seclusion and compelled us to go out and carry His message to others; and as we went, He met us in the service. There is a musty, monkish way of seeking a blessing, and there is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth.
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." The revelation made to St. John in the isle of Patmos, was a comfort to the suffering apostle, and a blessing to the church. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the word, of this prophecy." The beginning indeed was dark; the prophetic sketch, was for sometime, gloomy: It unfolded a strange scene of declensions and abominations, which were to disgrace the church of Christ and mar its beauty; and dismal series of woes on woes,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Saviour's Many Crowns
My brethren, it needs John himself to expound this glorious vision to you. Alas my eye has not yet seen the heavenly glory, nor has my ear heard the celestial song, I am therefore but as a little child among topless mountains, overawed with grandeur, and speechless with awe. Pray for me that I may utter a few words which the Holy Spirit may comfortably apply to your souls, for if he help me not, I am helpless indeed. With his divine aid, I dare to look upon the glorious diadems of our Lord and King.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Christ's Kingly Office
Q-26: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING? A: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Let us consider now Christ's regal office. And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords", Rev 19:16. Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a king; (1.) he has a kingly title. High and Lofty.' Isa 57:15. (2.) He has his insignia regalia, his ensigns of royalty; corona est insigne
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
E^7, xix. 17&151xx. 15. THE FINAL FIVE JUDGMENTS. We must get a complete view of these in order to embrace them all and view them as a whole. The Structure shows their true sequence: E^7., xix. 17-- 15. The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth." E^7 A^1 xix. 17-21. MEN. The Judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. B^1 xx. 1-3. SATAN. The Judgment of Satan (Before the Millennium). A^2 xx. 4-6. MEN. The Judgment of the overcomers. The "rest of the dead" left for Judgment. B^2 xx. 7-10.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Last Watch of the Night
C. P. C. Rev. xix. 7 It ends--the vigil of high festival, The solemn night of song; For lo! the crimson day has lit the hills, The day desired so long. From peak to peak there spreads the jasper glow, The morning star grows dim; How passing strange the joy that now we know-- So soon to look on Him! Oh, deeper than our longing and our love, More wondrous than our bliss, His love that waited while the ages rolled To welcome us as His! And now, the watching and the waiting o'er, The sin and sadness
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

That Worthy Name.
James ii:7. IN the second chapter of the Epistle of James the Holy Spirit speaks of our ever blessed Lord as "that worthy Name." Precious Word! precious to every heart that knows Him and delights to exalt His glorious and worthy Name. His Name is "far above every Name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." (Ephes. i:21.) It is "as ointment poured forth" (Song of Sol. i:3); yea, His Name alone is excellent (Psalm cxlviii:13). But according to His worth that blessed
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy.
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is it that We...
The Disciple,--Master, what is the real meaning of service? Is it that we serve the Creator and then His creatures for His sake? Is the help of man, who is after all but a mere worm, of any value to God in caring for His great family, or does God stand in need of the help of man in protecting or preserving any of His creatures? The Master,--1. Service means the activity of the spiritual life and is the natural offering prompted by love. God, who is Love, is ever active in the care of His creation,
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Third vision "In Heaven"
H3, xi. 15-19-. THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET. The Seventh Trumpet brings us back to Heaven and to the Third Vision seen there by John. For it is "in heaven" that the Trumpet is sounded. After it is sounded, we again hear the heavenly utterances which tell us of the design of this sounding. In xix. 1-16, heavenly voices again tell us of the completion of its effect. After it is sounded, and its object unfolded, there is a break; and an episode occupying chaps. xii., xiii. and xiv.; the effects
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

All Fulness in Christ
The text is a great deep, we cannot explore it, but we will voyage over its surface joyously, the Holy Spirit giving us a favorable wind. Here are plenteous provisions far exceeding, those of Solomon, though at the sight of that royal profusion, Sheba's queen felt that there was no more spirit in her, and declared that the half had not been told to her. It may give some sort of order to our thoughts if they fall under four heads. What is here spoken of--"all fullness." Where is it placed--"in him,"
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both.
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Living One
"I am He that liveth, and was dead" (i. 18). (...) (ho zon), THE LIVING ONE. Like the previous title, it is used as a special designation of the One whose unveiling is about to be shewn to John. Its use is peculiar to Daniel and Revelation. The two books thus linked together by it are linked as to their character and subject matter in a very special manner. It is used twice in Daniel:- Dan. iv. 34 (31 [19] ) and xii. 7; and six time in Revelation:- Rev. i. 18; iv. 9,10; v. 14; x. 6; and xv. 7. [20]
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
H^7. Chap. xix. 1-16. The final heavenly Utterances and Actions. We now come to the last of the seven Visions seen "in Heaven," which is the subject of chap. xix. 1-16, giving us the final heavenly Utterances and Actions which lead up to, explain, and introduce the five concluding judgments which close up the things of Time, and pass on to what we call the Eternal State. This last Vision "in Heaven" is divided into two parts, each having its own independent construction. The first contains the words
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Lord's Supper
We are approaching now the end of our Saviour's life. The last week has come, and we are in the midst of it. This is called Passion week. We commonly use this word passion to denote anger. But the first and true meaning of the word, and of the Latin word from which it comes, is--suffering. And this is the sense in which we find the word used in Acts i: 3. There, St. Luke, who wrote the Acts, is speaking of Christ's appearing to the apostles, after his resurrection, and he uses this language: "To
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son. ^A Matt. XXII. 1-14. ^a 1 And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them, saying, 2 The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 3 and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 4 Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
If in the time of thy sickness thou findest thyself fearful to die, meditate-- 1. That it argueth a dastardly mind to fear that which is not; for in the church of Christ there is no death (Isa. xxv. 7, 8), and whosoever liveth and believeth in Christ, shall never die (John xi. 26). Let them fear death who live without Christ. Christians die not; but when they please God, they are like Enoch translated unto God (Gen. v. 24;) their pains are but Elijah's fiery chariot to carry them up to heaven (2
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Links
Revelation 19:14 NIV
Revelation 19:14 NLT
Revelation 19:14 ESV
Revelation 19:14 NASB
Revelation 19:14 KJV

Revelation 19:14 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Revelation 19:13
Top of Page
Top of Page