Revelation 1:14

Modern

The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.

Traditional

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Literal

And His head and the hairs were white as wool, white as snow, and His eyes as a flame of fire,

Latin

…caput autem ejus, et capilli erant candidi tamquam lana alba, et tamquam nix, et oculi ejus tamquam flamma ignis:

Greek

English

The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.

White hair symbolizes wisdom and maturity. This image reflects Daniel’s vision of the Ancient One (Daniel 7:9).
His eyes, like flames of fire, see through deception. The one who knows everything will judge everyone (see Daniel 10:6; Hebrews 4:13).

John's first vision shows Christ as a wise, strong, and powerful messenger of God who always cares for his people.

Theme notes and profiles

Daniel 10:6
His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.
Daniel 7:9
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.
Revelation 19:12
He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.
Revelation 2:18
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.
Matthew 28:3
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.