Revelation 1:7

Berean Standard Bible
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
 
King James Bible
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
 
NET Bible
(Look! He is returning with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes on the earth will mourn because of him. This will certainly come to pass! Amen.)
 
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Study Bible:
 
Behold
The word "Behold" is a call to attention, urging the reader to focus on the significance of what is about to be revealed. In the Greek, "ἰδού" (idou) serves as an imperative, drawing the reader into a state of alertness and anticipation. It is a divine summons to witness the unfolding of God's ultimate plan, emphasizing the certainty and importance of the event.
 
He is coming
This phrase refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. The Greek verb "ἔρχεται" (erchetai) is in the present tense, indicating the certainty and imminence of His return. It reflects the Christian hope rooted in the promises of Christ's second coming, a central tenet of eschatological expectation. This coming is not just a future event but a present reality in the life of believers, who live in the light of His promised return.
 
with the clouds
The imagery of "clouds" is rich with biblical symbolism, often associated with the divine presence and glory of God. In the Old Testament, clouds frequently signify God's presence, as seen in the Exodus narrative where God led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud. The Greek "μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν" (meta tōn nephelōn) suggests a majestic and awe-inspiring arrival, echoing Daniel 7:13, where the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven, signifying authority and divine approval.
 
every eye will see Him
This phrase underscores the universal visibility and recognition of Christ's return. The Greek "πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς ὄψεται αὐτόν" (pas ophthalmos opsetai auton) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this event. It is a moment of revelation and accountability, where no one is excluded from witnessing the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This visibility signifies the undeniable truth of Christ's lordship and the culmination of history.
 
even those who pierced Him
This reference to "those who pierced Him" connects to Zechariah 12:10 and highlights the reality of Christ's crucifixion. The Greek "καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν" (kai hoitines auton exekentēsan) points to the Jewish and Roman authorities responsible for His death, as well as symbolically representing all humanity's sin. It serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the eventual recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by all, including those who rejected Him.
 
all the tribes of the earth will mourn
The mourning of "all the tribes of the earth" signifies a global acknowledgment of Christ's return and the realization of His true identity. The Greek "πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς" (pasai hai phylai tēs gēs) suggests a collective response of sorrow and repentance. This mourning is not only for the judgment that accompanies His return but also for the missed opportunities to accept His grace and salvation.
 
because of Him
This phrase indicates the cause of the mourning, which is directly related to Christ Himself. The Greek "ἐπ’ αὐτόν" (ep' auton) implies that the recognition of Jesus as the rightful King and Judge brings about a profound realization of personal and collective sin. It is a moment of truth where the reality of Christ's authority and the consequences of rejecting Him become evident.
 
So shall it be! Amen
The concluding affirmation "So shall it be! Amen." serves as a declaration of certainty and truth. The Greek "ναί, ἀμήν" (nai, amēn) combines a strong affirmation with a liturgical response, underscoring the reliability and faithfulness of God's promises. It is a call for believers to trust in the fulfillment of God's plan and to live in anticipation of His glorious return, confident in the hope that He will accomplish all that He has promised.
 
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“Look, he is coming with the clouds” - This phrase echoes Old Testament imagery from Daniel 7:13, where the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven. In Christian theology, this is often interpreted as a reference to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, where He returns in glory and power.
 
“Every eye will see him” - This suggests that Christ's return will be a universally witnessed event. It implies a visible, undeniable return of Christ that will be observed by all humanity.
 
“Even those who pierced him” - This part refers to Zechariah 12:10 in the Old Testament, where it speaks of mourning for the one they have pierced. In the context of the New Testament, this is often linked to the crucifixion of Jesus, indicating that even those who were responsible for his death or their descendants will see him at his return.
 
“All peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him’” - The mourning here can be interpreted in various ways. One interpretation is that it signifies repentance or recognition of Christ's divinity and authority.
 
Another view might be that it represents the sorrow or fear of those who are unprepared or opposed to his return.
 
“So shall it be! Amen.” - This is a declaration of affirmation and certainty about the prophecy, indicating that what has been stated is inevitable and true.
 
Theologically, this verse is pivotal in eschatological discussions within Christianity, touching on themes of judgment, repentance, and the universal acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority. Interpretations can vary among different Christian denominations, with some emphasizing the literal return, others the symbolic or spiritual aspects of Christ's presence in the world.
 
This verse, like much of Revelation, is rich in apocalyptic imagery and symbolism, often sparking both deep theological reflection and varied interpretations across Christian tradition.
 
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible:
 
Behold he cometh with clouds,.... John carries on the account of Christ in his kingly office, one branch of which is to execute judgment; and describes him by a future coming of his, which cannot be understood of his coming to take vengeance on the Jews, at the time of Jerusalem's destruction, though that is sometimes expressed in such language, and with such circumstances, as here; see Mat_24:30; because if this revelation was made to John, in the latter end of Domitian's reign, as is commonly reported by the ancients, and in the year 95 or 96, as chronologers generally place it, it must be upwards of twenty years after the destruction of Jerusalem, and therefore cannot relate to that; nor to his coming in a spiritual sense to convert the Jews in the latter day; for this coming is personal, and with clouds, when he will be seen by every eye; all which circumstances do not so well agree with that; besides, all the kindreds of the earth will not lament on that account: the wicked will take little notice of it, the tribes of the Jews will rejoice at it, and so will all the converted Gentiles: it is better therefore to understand this of Christ's second coming to judge the quick and dead, which is represented as just at hand, to denote the certainty of it; and a "behold" is prefixed to it, to excite attention, and to denote the importance of it: things of great moment, and very surprising, will then be done; Christ will appear in great glory and majesty, the dead in Christ will be raised, Christ's personal kingdom will take place, and the general judgment come on. The manner of his coming will be "with clouds"; either figuratively, with angels, who will attend him both for grandeur and service, or literally, in the clouds of heaven; he shall descend in like manner as he ascended, and as Daniel prophesied he should, Dan_7:13. Hence, one of the names of the Messiah, with the Jews, is, ענני, "Anani" (r), which signifies "clouds"; and his coming is so described, both to denote the grand and magnificent manner, in which he will come, making the clouds his chariots; and to strike terror into his enemies, clouds and darkness being about him, thunder and lightning breaking out of them, as tokens of that vengeance he comes to take upon them; as also the visibility of his coming, he shall descend from the third heaven, where he now is, into the airy heaven, and sit upon the clouds, as on his throne, and be visible to all: hence it follows,
 
and every eye shall see him; that is, everyone that has eyes shall see him, or all men shall see him; the righteous shall see him, and be glad; they shall see him in his glory, as he is, and for themselves, and be satisfied; they shall rejoice at the sight of him; they will be filled with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: but the wicked will see him and tremble; they will be filled with the utmost consternation and astonishment; they will not be able to bear the sight of him; they will flee from him, and call to the rocks and mountains to fall on them, and hide them from his face,
 
And they also which pierced him; his hands, feet, and side, when they crucified him; both the Roman soldiers, who actually did it, and the body of the Jewish nation, the rulers and common people, who consented to it, and at whose instigation it was done; these, being raised from the dead, shall see him with their bodily eyes, whom they so used,
 
And all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him; all the wicked, in the several parts of the world, will lament, and wring their hands, and express the inward terror and horror of their minds, at his appearing; they will fear his resentment of all their wicked words and actions; will dread his wrath, and tremble at his righteous judgment:
 
even so, Amen, says John, and so say all true believers; what the wicked lament, they rejoice at; they desire the coming of Christ, they love it, look and long for it; they believe it shall be, and wish it may be quickly, as in Rev_22:20; This expression of faith in, and desire after the coming of Christ, is signified by two words, the one Greek and the other Hebrew; suggesting, that this is an article of faith among all the saints of all nations, Jews and Gentiles, and is what they are wishing and waiting for,
 
(r) Targum in 1 Chron. iii. 24. vid. Beckii Not. in ib. Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 85. 2.
 
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One of the themes that will be repeated throughout Revelation is that God was, is and is to come. It is a continuation and expansion of the long held hope and consolation of Israel, that of the Messiah. The message was becoming even more critical as the nascent church was facing increased persecution.
 
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Cross References:
 
Daniel 7:13
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.
 
Zechariah 12:10
Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
 
Matthew 24:30
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.