Understanding the book of Revelation – How can I do it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The book of Revelation is often difficult to understand due to its literary genre and the heavy use of symbolic imagery, apocalyptic language, and prophetic visions that can be unfamiliar or confusing without a solid grasp of Old Testament references and historical context. It is important to apply proper Bible study methods (also called hermeneutics) to understand Revelation. This can assist in determining which aspects are literal and which are figurative. While some elements are clearly explained within the book itself, others—like the woman in Revelation 12 or the number 666—require cross-referencing with other parts of the Bible or remain partially mysterious. Despite its complexity, Revelation is worth studying and understanding as it reveals God’s sovereign plan, Christ’s ultimate victory, and the hope of a renewed creation where God dwells with His people. Studying Revelation equips believers to live faithfully, with courage and hope, as we await Jesus’ return and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Understanding the Old Testament is crucial to grasping the meaning of the book of Revelation because Revelation is filled with references, themes, symbols, and imagery rooted in the Old Testament. Without that background, much of Revelation’s message can be misinterpreted or missed altogether. For example, the scene in Revelation 4–5 of the throne room of God echoes Isaiah 6 (Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne) and Ezekiel 1 (Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory). The four living creatures (Revelation 4:6–8) are nearly identical to Ezekiel’s vision, which reinforces God's majesty and holiness.
• The beast rising from the sea with ten horns and seven heads (Revelation 13:1–2) draws directly from Daniel 7, where four beasts represent oppressive empires. Revelation uses that imagery to portray the final oppressive world power that opposes God’s people.
• In Revelation 5:6; 13:8, Jesus is called the "Lamb who was slain," connecting back to the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 and the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who was led like a lamb to the slaughter. These Old Testament themes of sacrificial atonement help explain why the Lamb is worthy to open the scroll.
• The sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation 7:4–8 references the 12 tribes of Israel and echoes Numbers 1, where Israel is organized and counted before entering battle.
• The trumpet judgments of Revelation 8–11 resemble the plagues of Egypt in Exodus, such as water turning to blood, darkness, and locusts. These parallels point to God’s judgment on a rebellious world and His power to deliver His people.
• The New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21–22 mirrors Ezekiel’s temple vision (Ezekiel 40–48) and Isaiah’s promise of a new heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17–25). These passages show that God’s final plan is restoration—not just escape—but a renewed creation where He dwells with His people.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Revelation 1:3 promises a blessing to those who study the book. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”
• Revelation heavily uses symbolic imagery, apocalyptic language, and prophetic visions to reveal Himself and His purposes in humanity. For example, in the descriptions of the seven churches in chapters 2—3, much imagery and references to the Old Testament are used. Some of these references and images are explained such as in Revelation 1:20 where it says, "As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." The seven stars are the angels (or messengers) of the seven churches. The lampstands represent the churches. Whenever possible, the self-identification and explanations given in Revelation should be used to understand.
• However, there are many other figures used that are not as clearly explained. For example, the woman attacked by a dragon in Revelation 12 has been identified in many different ways. The explanation is not clearly given in Revelation; however, we can use other parts of Scripture to seek to understand. In this case, similar imagery is used in Genesis 37 in Joseph's dream about his father Jacob (Israel), his mother, and his brothers (the tribes of Israel). Comparing Genesis 37 to Revelation 12 helps us identify the woman in Revelation 12 with the nation of Israel. It appears the best explanation in this case is that Jesus the "male child" (Revelation 12:5) was born from within Israel ("the woman") and was attacked by the dragon (Satan). The child is to rule the nations (Psalm 2:7-9; Revelation 20:4-6) and has been caught up to God and His throne (a reference to Jesus' ascension; Acts 1:9-11). The woman's flight into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God and where God will nourish her for 1,260 days is thought to be a reference to God's protection of Israel during the great tribulation.
• Other imagery has neither explanation in Revelation nor clear references in other parts of Scripture. For example, the mark of the beast is noted as 666. Revelation 13:18 says, "This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666." Some have attempted to use this number in association with Roman emperors or evil leaders throughout history. The truth is that the identification of this number is uncertain and may not be clearly understood until the foretold future events happen. However, despite this lack of clarity, it is unnecessary to fear modern items such as microchips or bar codes as some form of the mark of the beast.
• Descriptions and events in the book of Revelation should be taken literally unless there is a contextual reason to think otherwise. For example, the descriptions of the millennium note the specific number 1,000 years on six occasions in Revelation 20. While it could potentially be possible this is figurative, it appears much more likely that the text indicates a literal 1,000-year period is the focus. The same is true regarding Revelation's description of the new heaven, new earth, and new heavenly city in chapters 21—22.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding the book of Revelation is crucial because it helps us grasp the full picture of God’s redemptive plan. Revelation ties together the promises, prophecies, and patterns established throughout the Bible—from Genesis to the Gospels—and shows us how they culminate in Christ’s final victory. By understanding this book, we see that history isn’t random or chaotic but directed by God’s sovereign hand toward a promised end.

While its symbols and visions may seem mysterious to us, when studied carefully—especially in light of Old Testament references—they shows us who God is, how He is working in human history, and what to expect in the future, not so we can predict every detail but so we can stay rooted in Christ when trials, persecution, or global unrest shake the world.

Understanding Revelation shapes how we live today. This book doesn’t just describe the end—it calls the Church to live with urgency, faithfulness, and purity right now. The call to “overcome” in Revelation 2–3 is directed at ordinary believers facing compromise and pressure. Understanding Revelation gives us perspective: this world is not our home, and Jesus is returning soon. That awareness motivates holy living, bold witness, and patient endurance. Living this way gives us hope and purpose for today as we wait for what is to come tomorrow. Evil will not win, suffering is not the end, and Jesus will make all things new. When we understand Revelation, we don’t just gain information—we receive revelation about who God is and how He is at work and we experience transformation. We’re equipped to live with vision, courage, and hope as we wait for the return of our King.

UNDERSTAND

• Revelation is full of symbolic imagery, apocalyptic language, and prophetic visions, making it more difficult to understand.
• The book of Revelation requires an understanding of its context including genre and Old Testament references.
• Understanding the book of Revelation requires knowing what is clearly and literally explained versus what is symbolic.

REFLECT

• What challenges do you face when trying to understand the book of Revelation, and how can you grow in using Scripture to interpret Scripture more effectively?
• How does recognizing the Old Testament background of Revelation help you better understand its symbols and messages?
• Why do you think God chose to reveal His final plan through such vivid symbols and apocalyptic imagery? How does that impact the way we read and interpret Revelation?

ENGAGE

• What are some key principles of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) that help us distinguish between literal and symbolic elements in Revelation?
• How does understanding the genre of apocalyptic literature shape the way we read and interpret Revelation?
• Why is it important to study Revelation in light of the whole Bible?