Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 29:79 (Autumn 2025)
Article: The Bride And The Marriage Supper In Revelation
Author: Steve Lewis

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The Bride And The Marriage Supper In Revelation

Steve Lewis

* Steve Lewis, M.A., M.Div., SpiritAndTruth.org contributor

There are two separate passages in the book of Revelation which employ the figure of a marriage supper or a bride (19:7-9; 21:2, 9-11), and the present study will investigate the use of these metaphors in those passages. The biblical background for the illustrations will be explored, along with an examination of the intended meaning in each specific context. Adhering to sound principles is important for understanding the meaning of figures of speech in order to avoid misinterpreting or misapplying them. Inferences regarding the identification of elements within the figures of speech may lead to statements which are not directly supported by the biblical text. Based on conclusions reached in this study, an interpretation of the bride and the marriage supper will be presented.

Introduction

Revelation 19:7-9 is one of the heavenly choruses which is sung immediately prior to the second coming of Christ, and it looks forward in anticipation to the future “marriage of the Lamb,”1 with “His bride” having made herself ready by adorning herself in fine linen. A blessing is also pronounced on those who are the guests invited to the forthcoming “marriage supper of the Lamb.” In the subsequent passage, which describes the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2, 9-11), the figure is used of a “bride adorned for her husband,” and in that passage “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” is identified as the holy city adorned with costly stones and “coming down out of heaven from God.” In order to make sense of these two figures it will be necessary to determine the primary point of comparison in each case. In a way, this is easier said than done. Seiss cogently expressed this concern in his introductory remarks to his exposition of Revelation 19:7-9.

Expositors generally have taken it for granted that this marriage is so familiar to the readers of Holy Scripture, and so well understood, as to

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need no explanation. Perhaps had they attempted to set forth in definite form what they pass as so plain, they would have found the task less easy than they thought. Though the subject is common to both Testaments, there is not another of equal prominence and worth upon which so little direct attention has been bestowed by modern divines, or upon which clear ideas are so scarce. In my study of it, question after question has come up, even with regard to some of the most essential points, which I find it very hard to answer satisfactorily. And if others have found it so plain and easy as to render the expl...