Rev 19:7-9 | RWP | e4.org | Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad ( χαιρωμεν κα αγαλλιωμεν ). Present active subjunctive (volitive) of χαιρω and αγαλλιαω (elsewhere in N.T. in the middle except ; ). For both verbs together see . Let us give ( δωμεν ). Second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμ , but A reads δωσομεν (future active) and P δωσωμεν . If the future indicative is read, the tone is changed from exhortation to declaration (we shall give glory unto him). The marriage of the Lamb ( ο γαμος του αρνιου ). In the O.T. God is the Bridegroom of Israel ( ; ; .). In the N.T. Christ is the Bridegroom of the Kingdom (the universal spiritual church as seen by Paul, ; ., and by John in ; , ; , ; . In the Gospels Christ appears as the Bridegroom ( .; ; .; ). The figure of γαμος occurs in . Three metaphors of women appear in the Apocalypse (the Mother in chapter , the Harlot in , and the Bride of Christ here to the end). "The first and third present the Church under two different aspects of her life, while the second answers to her great rival and enemy" (Swete). Is come ( ηλθεν ). Prophetic aorist, come at last. Made herself ready ( ητοιμασεν εαυτην ). First aorist active indicative of ετοιμαζω and the reflexive pronoun. See for ητοιμασμενην ως νυμφην (prepared as a bride). There is something for her to do ( ; ; ), but the chief preparation is the act of Christ ( .).

‏ Revelation of John 19:7-9

Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad ( χαιρωμεν κα αγαλλιωμεν ). Present active subjunctive (volitive) of χαιρω and αγαλλιαω (elsewhere in N.T. in the middle except Lu 1:47; 1Pe 1:8). For both verbs together see Mt 5:12.

Let us give ( δωμεν ). Second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμ, but A reads δωσομεν (future active) and P δωσωμεν. If the future indicative is read, the tone is changed from exhortation to declaration (we shall give glory unto him).

The marriage of the Lamb ( ο γαμος του αρνιου ). In the O.T. God is the Bridegroom of Israel (Hos 2:16; Isa 54:6; Eze 16:7ff.). In the N.T. Christ is the Bridegroom of the Kingdom (the universal spiritual church as seen by Paul, 2Co 11:2; Eph 5:25ff., and by John in Re 3:20; 19:7, 9; 21:2, 9; 22:17. In the Gospels Christ appears as the Bridegroom (Mr 2:19f.; Mt 9:15; Lu 5:34f.; Joh 3:29). The figure of γαμος occurs in Mt 22:2-14. Three metaphors of women appear in the Apocalypse (the Mother in chapter Re 12, the Harlot in Re 17-19, and the Bride of Christ here to the end). "The first and third present the Church under two different aspects of her life, while the second answers to her great rival and enemy" (Swete).

Is come ( ηλθεν ). Prophetic aorist, come at last.

Made herself ready ( ητοιμασεν εαυτην ). First aorist active indicative of ετοιμαζω and the reflexive pronoun. See 22:2 for ητοιμασμενην ως νυμφην (prepared as a bride). There is something for her to do (1Jo 3:3; Jude 1:21; 2Co 7:1), but the chief preparation is the act of Christ (Eph 5:25ff.).

That she should array herself ( ινα περιβαλητα ). Sub-final object clause subject of εδοθη (was given to her) with ινα and the second aorist middle (direct) of περιβαλλω to fling around. This bridal dress is a gift from Christ. This form, εδοθη (it was given), occurs some 20 times in this book.

In fine linen, bright and pure ( βυσσινον λαμπρον καθαρον ). See 19:14 for the same raiment on those accompanying "The Word of God" and for the seven angels in 15:6. See by contrast the garments of the harlot (17:4; 18:16). For βυσσινον see 18:16.

The righteous acts of the saints ( τα δικαιωματα των αγιων ). This is the explanation ( γαρ ) of the bridal dress and explains why there is work for the Bride as well as for Christ (Php 2:12f.). See 15:4 for δικαιωμα (also Ro 5:18).

Write ( Γραψον ). First aorist active imperative of γραφω as in 1:11; 14:13. The speaker may be the angel guide of 17:1.

It is another beatitude ( μακαριο, Blessed) like that in 14:13 (fourth of the seven in the book).

They which are bidden ( ο κεκλημενο ). Articular perfect passive participle of καλεω, like Mt 22:3; Lu 14:17. Cf. Re 17:14. This beatitude reminds us of that in Lu 14:15. (Cf. Mt 8:11; 26:29.)

These are true words of God ( Hουτο ο λογο αληθινο του θεου εισιν ). Undoubtedly, but one should bear in mind that apocalyptic symbolism "has its own methods and laws of interpretation, and by these the student must be guided" (Swete).