Revelation of John 15
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Seven angels having the seven last plagues - Under the emblems of harvest and vintage God's judgments on the enemies of his Church have already been pointed out: but these are farther signified by the seven vials, which are called the seven last plagues of God. The seven last plagues appear to fall under the seventh and last trumpet. As the seventh seal contained the seven trumpets, so the seventh trumpet contains the seven vials. And as seven angels sounded the seven trumpets, so seven angels are appointed to pour out the seven vials, angels being always the ministers of Providence. This chapter contains the opening vision which is preparatory to the pouring out of the vials. The Targum of Jonathan on Isa 51:17, Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury, uses the same words employed by the evangelist here: "Jerusalem, thou hast received from the face of the Lord the cup of his wrath; ית פילי כסא דלוטא yath pailey casa dilvata, "the Phials of the cup of malediction " find again on Isa 51:22 : I will take out of thy hand the cup of malediction; ית פילי כסא דחמתי yath Pailey casa dechemti, "the Phials of the cup of my indignation."
Open source ↗THE LAST SEVEN VIALS OF PLAGUES: SONG OF THE VICTORS OVER THE BEAST. (Rev 15:1-8) the seven last plagues--Greek, "seven plagues which are the last." is filled up--literally, "was finished," or "consummated": the prophetical past for the future, the future being to God as though it were past, so sure of accomplishment is His word. This verse is the summary of the vision that follows: the angels do not actually receive the vials till Rev 15:7; but here, in Rev 15:1, by anticipation they are spoken of as having them. There are no more plagues after these until the Lord's coming in judgment. The destruction of Babylon (Rev 18:2) is the last: then in Rev 19:11-16 He appears.
Open source ↗And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous,.... This chapter is a preparation to the pouring out of the seven vials, as Rev 16:1 is to the sending of the seven epistles, and Rev 2:1 to the seven seals and seven trumpets: the vision is called a "sign", because what was seen was significative of future events; a sign of the coming of Christ, of his kingdom, and of the destruction of antichrist; and it is said to be a sign "in heaven", where John was called up, and where he had his visions; and it was "another", a different one from that in Rev 12:1 which represented the downfall of Paganism, but this the downfall of Popery; and it is a very "great" one, it is expressive of great things, as the fall of Babylon the great, or the judgment of the great whore, and the great glory of the church and kingdom of Christ; and it is "marvellous", for the two grand events it respects are very wonderful; as that antichrist, who was once in such power, should be destroyed, and that by such weak means, in the esteem of men, as the preaching of the Gospel, which is no less marvellous than the fall of Jericho by the sound of rams' horns; and that the church, which was in so low an estate in the wilderness, for the space of 1260 days or years, should become so glorious. The vision follows, seven angels, having the seven last plagues; these are not the same angels that blew the seven trumpets, for they are not contemporary with them, but are more likely the same with those in the preceding chapter; though they seem rather to be different from them: if these were angels literally understood, their having plagues is no objection to their being good angels, since such are often the executioners of God's wrath; and that these good ones, appears from one of them talking with John, and…
Open source ↗Here we have the preparation of matters for the pouring out of the seven vials, which was committed to seven angels; and observe how these angels appeared to the apostle - in heaven; it was in a wonderful manner, and that upon account, 1. Of the work they had to do, which was to finish the destruction of antichrist. God was now about to pour out his seven last plagues upon that interest; and, as the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, they should now find the full measure of his vindictive wrath. 2. The spectators and witnesses of this their commission: all that had gotten the victory over the beast, etc. These stood on a sea of glass, representing this world, as some think, a brittle thing, that shall be broken to pieces; or, as others, the gospel covenant, alluding to the brazen sea in the temple, in which the priests were to wash (the faithful servants of God stand upon the foundation of the righteousness of Christ); or, as others, the Red Sea, that stood as it were congealed while the Israelites went through; and, the pillar of fire reflecting light upon the waters, they would seem to have fire mingled with them; and this to show that the fire of God's wrath against Pharaoh and his horses should dissolve the congealed waters, and destroy them thereby, to which there seems to be an allusion by their singing the song of Moses, in which, (1.) They extol the greatness of God's works, and the justice and truth of his ways, both in delivering his people and destroying their enemies. They rejoiced in hope, and the near prospect they had of this, though it was not yet accomplished. (2.) They call upon all nations to render unto God the fear, glory, and worship, due to such a discovery of his truth and justice: Who shall not fear thee? Rev 15:4.
Open source ↗15:1–16:21 The third and final cycle of seven judgments (see study note on 6:1–16:21) is introduced with a vision of God’s victorious people singing a hymn of praise (15:2-4). Then a scene of the Temple is presented (15:5-8), from which angels emerge bearing the bowls of God’s judgment upon the earth (16:1-21). 15:1 This cycle of seven last plagues (15:1–16:21) brings God’s wrath against his enemies to completion (see 16:17; Amos 1–2; Rom 1:18–2:16). Revelation returns later to the subjects of God’s wrath (Rev 19:15-21).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) σημεῖον (sēmeîon, G4592) — an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) θαυμαστός (thaumastós, G2298) — wondered at, i.e. (by implication) wonderful ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἔσχατος (éschatos, G2078) — farthest, final (of place or time) πληγή (plēgḗ, G4127) — a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) ὑάλινος (hyálinos, G5193) — glassy, i.e. transparent μίγνυμι (mígnymi, G3396) — to mix πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) νικάω (nikáō, G3528) — to subdue (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰκών (eikṓn, G1504) — a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation,… χάραγμα (cháragma, G5480) — a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue) ἀριθμός (arithmós, G706) — a number (as reckoned up)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ᾄδω (áidō, G103) — to sing ᾠδή (ōidḗ, G5603) — a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while G5215 (ὕμνος) denotes… Μωσεύς (Mōseús, G3475) — Moseus, Moses, or Mouses (i.e. Mosheh), the Hebrew lawgiver δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) θαυμαστός (thaumastós, G2298) — wondered at, i.e. (by implication) wonderful σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… παντοκράτωρ (pantokrátōr, G3841) — the all-ruling, i.e. God (as absolute and universal sovereign)
Open source ↗τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) φοβέω (phobéō, G5399) — to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere οὐ μή (ou mḗ, G3364) — a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all σέ (sé, G4571) — thee κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δοξάζω (doxázō, G1392) — to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because μόνος (mónos, G3441) — remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere ὅσιος (hósios, G3741) — and from G40 (ἅγιος), which relates to purity from defilement), i.e. hallowed (pious,… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ναός (naós, G3485) — a fane, shrine, temple σκηνή (skēnḗ, G4633) — a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively) μαρτύριον (martýrion, G3142) — something evidential, i.e. (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the Decalogue… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ναός (naós, G3485) — a fane, shrine, temple ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πληγή (plēgḗ, G4127) — a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) καθαρός (katharós, G2513) — clean (literally or figuratively) λαμπρός (lamprós, G2986) — radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance) λίνον (línon, G3043) — flax, i.e. (by implication) "linen" στῆθος (stēthos, G4738) — the (entire external) bosom, i.e. chest περιζώννυμι (perizṓnnymi, G4024) — to gird all around, i.e. (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… χρύσεος (chrýseos, G5552) — made of gold φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") γέμω (gémō, G1073) — to swell out, i.e. be full θυμός (thymós, G2372) — passion (as if breathing hard) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ναός (naós, G3485) — a fane, shrine, temple γεμίζω (gemízō, G1072) — to fill entirely καπνός (kapnós, G2586) — smoke ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἄχρι (áchri, G891) — (of time) until or (of place) up to
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times, according to your sins.
Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
he too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.
So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.
He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming shortly.
Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.
And the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.