Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire. See Barnes on "Re 1:14".

And on his head were many crowns. Many diadems, indicative of his universal reign. It is not said how these were worn or arranged on his head -- perhaps the various diadems worn by kings were in some way wreathed into one.

And he had a name written. That is, probably on the frontlet of this compound diadem. Compare See Barnes on "Re 13:1"; See Barnes "Re 14:1".

That no man knew but he himself. See Barnes on "Re 2:17".

This cannot here mean that no one could read the name, but the idea is, that no one but himself could fully understand its import. It involved a depth of meaning, and a degree of sacredness, and a relation to the Father, which he alone could apprehend in its true import. This is true of the name here designated -- "the word of God" -- the Logos -- logov; and it is true of all the names which he bears. See Mt 11:27. Compare a quotation from Dr. Buchanan in the Asiatic Researches, vol. i., vi. p.264, as quoted by Rosenmuller, Morgenland, in loc.