“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
My Notes
What Does Revelation 1:7 Mean?
John declares the second coming with absolute certainty: he cometh with clouds. Every eye shall see him — including those who pierced him. And all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
The clouds echo Daniel 7:13 — the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. The imagery is royal and divine — clouds in the Old Testament are associated with God's presence (Exodus 13:21, 1 Kings 8:10).
"Every eye shall see him" eliminates all doubt: the return is public, visible, universal. No hidden coming. No private return. Every single eye.
"They also which pierced him" specifically includes those responsible for the crucifixion — connecting to Zechariah 12:10. The ones who killed him will see him return. The vindication is complete.
"All kindreds of the earth shall wail" — the universal mourning is the response of those who rejected him. The wailing is not repentance. It is the realization — too late — of who they rejected.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does 'every eye shall see him' mean for the universality and undeniability of the return?
- 2.How does 'they also which pierced him' connect to Zechariah 12:10?
- 3.Why do all kindreds wail — and how is wailing different from repentance?
- 4.How do you respond to 'even so, Amen' — is the return something you welcome or fear?
Devotional
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him. Every eye. Not some. Not the believers only. Every eye that has ever opened will see the return of Christ. The event is inescapable.
And they also which pierced him. The ones who drove the nails. The ones who stood by while it happened. The ones who benefited from his death while denying his identity. They will see him. And they will know.
All kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. The wailing is universal among those who rejected him. When the return happens, there will be no more ambiguity. The debate will be over. And for those who chose the wrong side, the wailing will be the sound of recognition arriving too late.
Even so, Amen. John affirms it. Yes. So be it. The return is not feared by those who belong to the Lamb. It is welcomed. Even so — come.
The clouds are coming. The eyes will see. The pierced one will be visible. And the world will know — finally, undeniably — who he is.
Are you ready for every eye to see? For every knee to bow? For every mouth to confess? The day is not hypothetical. It is approaching. And when it arrives, there will be no more time to decide.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Behold he cometh with clouds,.... John carries on the account of Christ in his kingly office, one branch of which is to…
Behold he cometh with clouds - That is, the Lord Jesus, when he returns, will come accompanied with clouds. This is in…
Behold, he cometh with clouds - This relates to his coming to execute judgment on the enemies of his religion; perhaps…
We have here an apostolic benediction on those who should give a due regard to this divine revelation; and this…
This verse, as indeed may be said of the whole Book, is founded chiefly on our Lord's own prophecy recorded in St…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture