The Book of Revelation is full of symbols. So what do the symbols in Revelation mean? Understanding what they mean is the only way to understand the book. Misunderstanding them is a sure way to NOT understand the book. Watch this Nelson Walters video to discover a sure-fire, biblical method to understand each and every symbol in Revelation.

The Many Symbols in Revelation

The Book of Revelation is filled with numerous symbols, which have led to thousands of interpretations over the years. Nelson Walters addresses these symbols in his video titled Symbols in Revelation: Unveiling their Hidden Messages. The central question he poses is whether it’s possible to truly understand these symbols or whether they can be interpreted in any way one wishes. Walters aims to provide a systematic approach to understanding the symbols and numbers in Revelation, challenging many traditional interpretations that may not be biblically accurate.

Understanding the Symbols: A Systematic Approach

Walters begins by explaining that not everything in Revelation is symbolic. He references Revelation 1:1, which mentions that the angel signified the revelations to John, indicating the use of signs or symbols. However, Walters argues that interpreting everything as a symbol leads to confusion and misinterpretation, which is common in many modern readings of Revelation.

The Controversy of Translation: Revelation 1:19-20

A significant portion of the video is dedicated to examining Revelation 1:19-20. Walters claims that this passage has been mistranslated in most English Bibles due to the omission of a crucial word, “they,” from the original Greek text. He explains that the word “I seen” in Greek, which is often translated as “are,” actually means “they are.” This slight change fundamentally alters the meaning of the passage, according to Walters.

The verse, when correctly translated, provides a three-part system for understanding Revelation:

1. What John Sees: The visions, such as dragons, beasts, and other symbols.
2. What They Are: The meanings of these symbols.
3. What Happens Afterward: The events that follow the symbols.

This interpretation contrasts with the traditional understanding, where the verse is often seen as referring to current events (the seven churches) and future events (the rest of Revelation).

Reexamining the Seven Churches

According to Walters, the traditional interpretation that views the seven churches as purely historical is flawed. He suggests that these letters are intended for future churches, particularly those existing during the 70th week of Daniel—a period of intense prophetic fulfillment. Walters supports this claim by pointing out that the messages to the churches include references to events that are associated with the end times, such as Jesus coming like a thief (a reference to the Rapture) and fighting with the sword of his mouth (an event associated with Armageddon).

Interpreting Symbols Using the Bible

Walters advocates for interpreting the symbols in Revelation by cross-referencing them with other parts of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. For example, the seven-sealed scroll mentioned in Revelation is linked to a similar scroll in Ezekiel, which is associated with lamentations and woe. Similarly, the beasts in Revelation 13 are connected to the beasts in Daniel 7, where they are identified as kings and kingdoms.

Another example provided by Walters is the interpretation of the four horsemen in Revelation 6. He draws on Zechariah 6, where similar horses are described as spirits of heaven. Walters emphasizes that these symbols are not random but are deeply rooted in biblical precedent.

Literal vs. Symbolic: The Case of Wormwood

Walters also discusses how to differentiate between literal and symbolic elements in Revelation. He uses the example of the water turning bitter at the third trumpet, associated with the star Wormwood. He argues that this event is a literal occurrence, as the term “wormwood” is consistently used in the Old Testament to refer to bitter water. Walters suggests that the judgments in Revelation, such as the Seven Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls, are literal rather than symbolic.

The Numbers in Revelation: Literal or Symbolic?

The video also addresses the symbolic and literal interpretation of numbers in Revelation. Walters uses the example of the thousand-year reign of Christ, which he interprets as both a literal and symbolic period, aligning with the concept of a Sabbath day in God’s timetable. The number 24, associated with the 24 Elders, is seen as a literal number representing the 24 courses of priests in the Old Testament, who were possibly resurrected and raptured alongside Jesus, according to Walters.

Applying the System to Revelation

Walters concludes by reiterating that with the system he presents, readers can decode the symbols in Revelation. He suggests that the symbols are either explained within Revelation itself, can be understood through cross-referencing with other biblical texts, or are literal realities. This approach, according to Walters, allows for a more accurate interpretation of the Book of Revelation, challenging many long-held but potentially flawed traditional interpretations.