REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 19 - Verse 12

Verse 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire. See Barnes on "Re 1:14".

And on his head were many crowns. Many diadems, indicative of his universal reign. It is not said how these were worn or arranged on his head—perhaps the various diadems worn by kings were in some way wreathed into one.

And he had a name written. That is, probably on the frontlet of this compound diadem. Compare See Barnes on "Re 13:1"; See Barnes "Re 14:1".

That no man knew but he himself. See Barnes on "Re 2:17".

This cannot here mean that no one could read the name, but the idea is, that no one but himself could fully understand its import. It involved a depth of meaning, and a degree of sacredness, and a relation to the Father, which he alone could apprehend in its true import. This is true of the name here designated—"the word of God"—the Logos—logov; and it is true of all the names which he bears. See Mt 11:27. Compare a quotation from Dr. Buchanan in the Asiatic Researches, vol. i., vi. p. 264, as quoted by Rosenmuller, Morgenland, in loc.