Revelation 15 1

Revelation 15:1 kjv

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:1 nkjv

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

Revelation 15:1 niv

I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues?last, because with them God's wrath is completed.

Revelation 15:1 esv

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

Revelation 15:1 nlt

Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God's wrath to completion.

Revelation 15 verses

Revelation 15 1 Meaning

Revelation 15:1 marks a dramatic prelude to the final outpouring of God's wrath, introducing seven angels prepared to administer the last set of divine judgments upon the earth. John's vision of this "great and marvelous sign in heaven" underscores its supernatural origin, immense significance, and the awe-inspiring nature of God's righteous judgment. These seven plagues are definitively described as "last" because their execution signals the completion of God's holy indignation against rebellion and unrighteousness, bringing an end to the period of tribulation before the establishment of His kingdom.

Revelation 15 1 Context

Revelation chapter 15 serves as a solemn overture to the seven bowl judgments described in chapter 16. It follows the pivotal vision of the harvest and winepress of God's wrath in Revelation 14, indicating that the time for decisive judgment has come. Before the actual pouring out of the bowls, John is granted a vision of the scene in heaven, focusing on the preparation and the perfect righteousness of God in carrying out these final acts. The chapter highlights the divine justice and sovereignty behind these judgments, including the vision of those who have overcome the Beast singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb (Rev 15:2-4), emphasizing God's deliverance and just ways. Historically, this vision functions as a strong polemic against the pervasive idolatry and oppressive power of the Roman Empire, which often presented itself as ushering in an era of peace. John's vision directly asserts that the true "peace" will only come after God's complete and final judgment against all ungodly power.

Revelation 15 1 Word analysis

• Then I saw (Καὶ εἶδον - Kai eidon): This common transitional phrase frequently introduces new scenes or visions in Revelation, inviting the reader to observe what is about to be revealed. "Eidon" refers to seeing with understanding or perceiving a vision, rather than just physical sight.
• another (ἄλλο - allo): Signifies that this "sign" is distinct from, though related to, the previous "great signs" seen in Revelation 12 (the woman and the dragon), indicating a progression in John's apocalyptic revelation.
• great (μέγα - mega): Emphasizes the immense scale, profound importance, and awe-inspiring nature of the coming event. It highlights the divine magnitude.
• and marvelous (καὶ θαυμαστόν - kai thaumaston): Conveys wonder, astonishment, and that which is truly awe-inspiring, suggesting that what John is seeing evokes profound reverence or even fear in the observer, indicating it's beyond human comprehension in its scope and divine origin.
• sign (σημεῖον - semeion): This term denotes a symbolic visual manifestation that reveals or signifies a deeper spiritual reality or divine intention. It is not the literal event itself, but a profound pointer to it, acting as a divine signal or portent.
• in heaven (ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ - en tō ouranō): Pinpoints the origin and authority of the sign. All ultimate judgment and significant divine actions originate from the heavenly throne room, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty and control over earth's affairs.
• seven angels (ἀγγέλους ἑπτὰ - angelous hepta): "Seven" (hepta) frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness throughout Revelation. These "seven angels" are direct divine agents appointed by God for this specific and complete task of judgment.
• with the seven last plagues (ἔχοντας πληγὰς ἑπτὰ τὰς ἐσχάτας - echontas plēgas hepta tas eschatas):
  • plagues (πληγὰς - plēgas): Directly echoes the judgments God inflicted upon Egypt (Exodus narratives), establishing a parallel between the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and God's final deliverance of His people from the world system through judgment. They represent divine scourges or blows.
  • last (ἐσχάτας - eschatas): Crucially indicates finality and consummation. These are the ultimate manifestations of divine wrath; there will be no more after them. This sets the tone for a definitive end.
• last, because with them (ὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς - hoti en autais): The connective "because" provides the theological reason for the plagues' finality, directly linking their completion to the finishing of God's wrath.
• God's wrath (ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ - ho thymos tou Theou): "Wrath" (thymos) signifies fierce indignation, passionate anger, a boiling fury. This is not arbitrary anger but God's holy and righteous indignation against sin, rebellion, and the persecution of His saints, particularly against the oppressive Beast and its followers. It's His just response to evil.
• is finished (ἐτελέσθη - etelestē): This verb, in the perfect passive indicative, emphasizes a state of complete accomplishment. It is a decisive and irreversible conclusion. The use of this word recalls Jesus' cry on the cross, "It is finished" (Jn 19:30), signaling the completion of redemption; here, it signifies the absolute completion of God's righteous judgment against evil.

Words-group Analysis:

• "another great and marvelous sign in heaven": This phrase cumulatively emphasizes the unique, astounding, and divinely ordained nature of the vision. It prepares the reader for an event of cosmic significance, rooted in God's authority.
• "seven angels with the seven last plagues": The repeated use of "seven" underscores the divine completeness and finality of these judgments. The pairing of "angels" as divine agents and "plagues" as instruments of judgment reinforces that this is God's perfect plan being perfectly executed.
• "last, because with them God's wrath is finished": This causal clause is the interpretive key to the verse. It declares the purpose and effect of these plagues: they bring about the conclusive end to God's judicial anger. It signifies a transition from the outpouring of wrath to the new heavens and new earth, as God's justice is fully satisfied.

Revelation 15 1 Bonus section

The vision presented in Revelation 15:1 serves as a grand theatrical setup, typical of apocalyptic literature, heightening the tension and expectation before the severe and direct judgments of chapter 16. It underscores that God's judgments are not arbitrary acts of anger, but calculated, measured, and purposeful. The finality indicated by "is finished" implies that divine forbearance, which characterized previous judgment series (like seals and trumpets with their intermissions and opportunities for repentance), has now ceased. This marks the complete unfolding of the consequences of humanity's refusal to repent. The "marvelous" nature of the sign suggests a sense of awesome dread for those on whom the wrath is to fall, and glorious awe for those who witness God's perfect justice.

Revelation 15 1 Commentary

Revelation 15:1 functions as a solemn, majestic overture to the final sequence of judgments in the book. John's vision of a "great and marvelous sign in heaven" is not merely observational; it's a profound revelation of divine intent. The term "sign" (semeion) indicates that this heavenly display is pregnant with deeper spiritual meaning, pointing to the consummation of God's righteous dealings with a rebellious world. Its heavenly origin ensures that these judgments are not chaotic human events but divinely ordained acts flowing from God's perfect justice and sovereign control.

The introduction of "seven angels with the seven last plagues" signifies the meticulous and complete nature of God's judgment. The number "seven" (completeness) coupled with "last" (eschatas) asserts an ultimate finality – these are the decisive, ultimate measures of divine wrath. The word "plagues" (plēgas) deliberately evokes the Exodus narrative, drawing a powerful parallel between God's judgment on ancient Egypt and His definitive judgment on the Beast's oppressive kingdom, all serving to deliver His people.

Crucially, the verse clarifies the theological purpose of these plagues: "because with them God's wrath is finished." This phrase emphasizes the absolute completion (etelestē) of God's righteous indignation (thymos). It means that after these bowl judgments, there will be no more need for wrath against the ungodly, preparing the way for the Lamb's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His eternal reign. It reassures believers that even amidst overwhelming evil, God is just and His justice will indeed have the final say, perfectly resolving all rebellion.

• Example for Practical Usage: For someone grappling with injustice in the world and wondering about God's role: This verse reassures that God is sovereign and acts decisively. The "last plagues" assure us that God's justice is not passive but is actively and fully executed at the appointed time, bringing all evil to an ultimate and conclusive end.