Revelation – Chapter 10

New Testament11 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his face, as the sun, and…" — so begins Revelation 10. Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: God feeding His people and God's covenant promises. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his face, as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.

2And 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.

3And he cried with a loud voice as when a lion roareth. And when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

4And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me: Seal up the things which the seven thunders have spoken. And write them not.

5And the angel whom I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven.

6And he swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven and the things which are therein, and the earth and the things which are in it, and the sea and the things which are therein: That time shall be no longer.

7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound the trumpet, the mystery of God shall be finished, as he hath declared by his servants the prophets.

8And 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.

9And 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.

10And I took the book from the hand of the angel and ate it up: and it was in my mouth, sweet as honey. And when I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

11And he said to me: Thou must prophesy again to many nations and peoples and tongues and kings.

Important Verses in Revelation 10

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his face, as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.

Revelation 10:1

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me: Seal up the things which the seven thunders have spoken. And write them not.

Revelation 10:4

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound the trumpet, the mystery of God shall be finished, as he hath declared by his servants the prophets.

Revelation 10:7

And he said to me: Thou must prophesy again to many nations and peoples and tongues and kings.

Revelation 10:11

Historical Context

Revelation belongs to the New Testament and was composed for persecuted churches, lifted to see Christ's final victory. Chapter 10 of 22 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apocalyptic vision revealing God's ultimate victory over evil with 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his…" It concludes: "And he said to me: Thou must prophesy again to many nations and peoples and tongues and kings. " In terms of historical background, Written to seven churches of Asia suffering under Rome's demand for emperor worship, Revelation unveils history's hidden meaning through visions of heavenly liturgy: the Lamb who was slain stands victorious, and every… The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

Who Wrote It

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle

When It Was Written

About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian

Catholic Commentary

Apocalyptic language here speaks of judgment, hope, and the fulfillment of God's promises. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his face, as the sun, and his feet as pillars of…" The passage repeatedly touches on God feeding His people.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Christ's victory and the new creation. Revelation reveals the Church's ultimate destiny (CIC 1042-1050). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 854).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Revelation Chapter 10 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that Christ's victory and the new creation is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing the call to holiness in ordinary life.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2772) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Revelation Chapter 10 about?

Revelation 10 contains 11 verses. It opens with "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his…" and closes with "And he said to me: Thou must prophesy again to many nations and peoples and tongues and kings. ". The book as a whole is apocalyptic prophecy and epistle.

What is a key verse in Revelation 10?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head: and his face, as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Revelation and when?

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle. About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

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