Topical Bible: Sea: Symbolical in John's Apocalyptic Vision

◄ Sea: Symbolical in John's Apocalyptic Vision ►

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In the apocalyptic vision recorded in the Book of Revelation, the "sea" serves as a potent symbol with multifaceted meanings. The Apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos, uses vivid imagery to convey profound spiritual truths, and the sea is a recurring element in his visionary narrative.

1. Chaos and Evil: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the sea often symbolized chaos and disorder. This symbolism is evident in Revelation, where the sea represents the tumultuous and rebellious nature of the world opposed to God. In Revelation 13:1, John writes, "Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea." This beast, emerging from the sea, is a representation of chaotic and oppressive powers that stand against God's kingdom.

2. Separation and Division: The sea also symbolizes separation. In Revelation 21:1, John describes the new heaven and new earth, stating, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." The absence of the sea in the new creation signifies the removal of barriers and divisions, reflecting the ultimate reconciliation and unity in God's restored order.

3. Mystery and Depth: The sea's vastness and depth can also symbolize the mysterious and unfathomable aspects of God's judgments and plans. In Revelation 10:2, the mighty angel stands with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, indicating God's sovereign authority over all creation, both known and unknown.

4. Source of Life and Judgment: While the sea can symbolize chaos, it is also a source of life and sustenance. In Revelation 17:15, the waters are interpreted as "peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues," suggesting the sea's role as a symbol of the diverse and multitudinous nature of humanity. However, the sea is also a place of judgment, as seen in Revelation 20:13, where "the sea gave up the dead that were in it," indicating the comprehensive nature of God's final judgment.

5. Contrast with the River of Life: The sea's symbolic role is contrasted with the river of life in Revelation 22:1, which flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. This river represents the purity, clarity, and life-giving presence of God, in stark contrast to the chaotic and often destructive symbolism of the sea.

In John's apocalyptic vision, the sea serves as a complex symbol that conveys themes of chaos, separation, mystery, judgment, and the ultimate triumph of God's order over disorder. Through these symbolic uses, the sea underscores the transformative power of God's redemptive plan as revealed in the culmination of history.

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Revelation 4:6
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like to crystal: and in the middle of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
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Revelation 8:8,9
And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
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Revelation 10:2,5,6,8
And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
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Revelation 13:1
And I stood on the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads the name of blasphemy.
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Revelation 15:2
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
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Revelation 16:3
And the second angel poured out his vial on the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
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Revelation 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
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Library

The Beach and the Sea
... Finally, there is a great symbolical prophecy here if we emphasise ... toil, when 'there
shall be no more sea.' He adds ... The souls which a Paul or a John has won ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the beach and the sea.htm

The Apocalypse.
... 6. The "beast" coming out of the sea and having seven heads ... (c) The number is symbolical
of Antichrist ... He thinks that John used both numbers, 616 in the first ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... in order {58} to account for his seeing in vision the dead ... and pronounces condemnation
in the last day (compare John 12:48 ... of whom is as the sand of the sea" (v.8 ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm