What does it mean that Jesus will come in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)?

Answer

Revelation 1:7 states, “‘Look, he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him.’ So shall it be! Amen.” This verse combines two other passages: Matthew 26:64, where Jesus informs the Sanhedrin that they will witness the Son “coming on the clouds of heaven”; and Zechariah 12:10, which prophesies that the inhabitants of Jerusalem will grieve upon seeing “the one they have pierced.”

Some individuals have attempted to interpret Revelation 1:7 allegorically by attributing symbolic meanings to the “clouds.” However, there is no necessity to seek concealed meanings here, as the passage conveys its message straightforwardly, just like the two passages it references. The statement that “He comes with the clouds” should be taken at face value, signifying that Jesus will manifest to all individuals as He descends to earth from the heavens.

Following Jesus’ imparting of the Great Commission to His disciples, “he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” «And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. », (Acts 1:9). While the disciples watched, observing the Lord, two angels materialized and informed them, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (verse 11). A cloud is referenced during His ascension, and clouds are mentioned in connection with His return.