Beginning with Revelation 21:9, our chapter furnishes us with a fuller description of our future Heavenly Home than exists anywhere else in Scripture. In fact, verses 9 through 27 are dedicated to this glorious task!
And today we have the opportunity of surveying that 9th verse. John writes, first person, as an “eyewitness” to the event: “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
I find it interesting that neither Michael the Archangel nor Gabriel (whom we also know by name) is asked to “show/introduce” this lovely “Bride!” But instead, an angel of judgment is given the honor! Precisely, “One of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues.”
Harking back (these vials) to chapter 16 of Revelation, 7 “catastrophes” that seem to resemble the plagues God poured upon Egypt to “soften” Pharaoh’s heart, to effect the release of the Jewish slaves, the whole nation!
So here … God uses an angel of “wrath” to also be an angel of “good news!” From delivering a fearful malady to revealing a comforting sight! Romans 11:22 comes to mind. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God.”
The command “come hither” is a single word in Greek, “deuro,” It literally means, “Here!” Used of “place” most often in Greek culture.
The verb “will shew” is “deiknuo,” actually “to expose something to one’s eyes.” Or “to put on display!” The very verbiage hints at something “beautiful, captivating, graceful.”
No doubt spoken under the tutelage of God, the angel promises: “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Again, the fullest view yet, 19 wondrous verses!
The noun “bride” is “numphe” in Greek. (In Latin, “nupto” means “to marry.”) In Greek, the idea is more like: “to veil until married.” A young girl about to be married, or 3 times in the New Testament, already married. Then (those 3 times) translated “daughter-in-law!”
The “Lamb” here (“arnion,” a “little” lamb, a diminutive form of the word) is None Other than Jesus! God’s Son, our dear Saviour! John uses the word “lamb” 27 times in the Book of Revelation, if I’ve counted correctly.
And “wife” translates “gune,” merely the word for “woman.” If this is the Lamb’s WOMAN, I guarantee you she is His Wife! Remember, Greece/Rome were patriarchal societies.
I have occasionally heard Preachers through the years call the Church … “Jesus’ Body while on earth.” But “Jesus’ Bride when in Heaven!”
Here’s the proof.
Now tomorrow, a surprise awaits us, somewhat. The “Bride” is a “City!” I am thinking so named because of who will live there! Born-again Believers in Jesus! A City bearing the name of her inhabitants!
Study with us again in the morning.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell