by furaha nchimbi | 9 April 2022 08:46 pm04
Text references from the New International Version (NIV)
Let’s begin with the passage in question:
Revelation 1:13 (NIV)
“and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.”
John the Apostle, exiled on the island of Patmos, receives a powerful vision of Christ in His glorified, resurrected state. The “someone like a son of man” is a direct reference to the Messianic figure in Daniel 7:13–14, where the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days and is given dominion and glory.
The golden sash worn around the chest is significant both symbolically and theologically.
Gold is often associated with kingship and divine majesty in Scripture. In ancient times, sashes or belts made of fine material and worn across the chest symbolized nobility and authority. Jesus appears in Revelation not merely as the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, but as the risen King and Judge.
Psalm 45:6–7 (NIV)
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.”
Jesus is also revealed as our great High Priest, fulfilling the priesthood of Melchizedek (cf. Hebrews 5:6; 7:17). In the Old Testament, the high priest wore sacred garments, including a sash, when ministering before God (see Exodus 28:4). His golden sash, in this context, may symbolize His mediatory role between God and humanity.
Hebrews 4:14 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”
Some may wonder: If the sash was worn around the chest (or translated as “breasts” in older versions like KJV), does that imply this was a woman?
The answer is clearly no.
The Greek word used in Revelation 1:13 is “μαστοῖς” (mastois), which can be translated “chest” or “breast area.” In biblical Greek, this word refers not to gender but to the upper torso, especially when used in a non-anatomical, descriptive sense. The area where the sash was tied is likely above the waist, across the chest, indicating a high priestly garment, not feminine anatomy.
Just as Scripture refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), it doesn’t imply He is literally a lamb. The language is symbolic, conveying theological truth.
Let’s read further to confirm His identity:
Revelation 1:17–18 (NIV)
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'”
This is unmistakably Jesus Christ. He alone died and rose again, and holds the authority over death and hell.
Why is Jesus shown wearing a sash and why does its position matter?
In Scripture, wearing a belt or sash often symbolized readiness, strength, or truth.
Ephesians 6:13–14 (NIV)
“Therefore put on the full armor of God… Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”
In contrast, John the Baptist wore a belt around his waist, symbolizing humility and repentance:
Matthew 3:4 (NIV)
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
For believers, to “gird your waist with truth” means to live in a state of moral and spiritual readiness, grounded in God’s Word.
1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you…”
God’s Word is meant to be bound to our lives not just in knowledge, but in obedience:
1 John 2:15 (NIV)
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
These are not just suggestions they are spiritual commands. If we claim to follow Christ, we must not only wear the “robe of righteousness” (Revelation 19:8), but also be girded with truth, like our Savior.
The image of Christ with a golden sash around His chest reflects:His eternal kingshipHis role as High PriestHis perfect holiness and truthHis authority over life, death, and judgment
This is not a picture of femininity, but of divine majesty and power.
So the real question is: Are you clothed with Christ today? Are you girded with His truth?
If not, the time to respond is now.
Romans 13:14 (NIV)
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Maranatha!
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/04/09/what-is-the-higolden-sash-across-the-chest-was-the-figure-john-saw-a-woman-why-mention-the-chest-breasts/
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