Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
I went (aphlqa). Second aorist active indicative (-a form), "I went away" (ap-) to the angel. John left his position by the door of heaven (Revelation 4:1).
That he should give (dounai). Second aorist active infinitive of didwmi, indirect command after legwn (bidding) for dov in the direct discourse (second aorist active imperative second person singular). This use of legw to bid occurs in Revelation 13:14; Acts 21:21.
He saith (legei). Dramatic vivid present active indicative of legw.
Take it and eat it up (labe kai katafage auto). Second aorist (effective) active imperatives of lambanw and katesqiw (perfective use of kata, "eat down," we say "eat up"). See the same metaphor in Ezekiel 3:1-3; Jeremiah 15:6 f. The book was already open and was not to be read aloud, but to be digested mentally by John.
It shall make thy belly bitter (pikranei sou thn koilian). Future active of pikrainw, for which verb see Revelation 8:11; Revelation 10:10; Colossians 3:19. There is no reference in Ezekiel or Jeremiah to the bitterness here mentioned.
Sweet as honey (gluku wv meli). For the sweetness of the roll see Psalms 19:10 f.; Psalms 119:103. "Every revelation of God's purposes, even though a mere fragment, a biblaridion, is 'bitter-sweet,' disclosing judgement as well as mercy" (Swete). Deep and bitter sorrows confront John as he comes to understand God's will and way.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Colossians 3:19
James 3:11
Revelation 8:11
Revelation 10:2
Revelation 10:8
Revelation 10:11
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