Revelation 16:15

Translations

Modern

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”

Traditional

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Literal

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one watching and keeping his garments, so that he may not walk naked and they may see his shame.”

Latin

Ecce venio sicut fur. Beatus qui vigilat, et custodit vestimenta sua, ne nudus ambulet, et videant turpitudinem ejus.

Original

Greek

English

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”

Notes

Revelation 16:15

Readers are warned to stay alert because the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (see also Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:43; 25:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). Being ready for his coming requires preparation. Those who are not prepared will lack proper clothing and will find themselves exposed (see Matthew 22:11–13). This imagery refers to two failing churches:

lifeless Sardis, which is told to “wake up” (Revelation 3:2), and
lukewarm Laodicea, which is advised to get proper clothing (Revelation 3:18).

Revelation 16:1–21

These seven bowls filled with God's wrath symbolize the final judgments on the world. With the seventh bowl, a voice from God's throne shouts, It is done! (Revelation 16:17; compare John 19:30).

Theme notes and profiles

Security and Obedience Visions

Related verses

1 Thessalonians 5:2–3
For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Matthew 24:42–43
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
Revelation 3:3–4
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
Luke 12:37–43
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.
Matthew 25:13
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Mark 13:33–37
Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.
2 Corinthians 5:3
…because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

Glossary

Armageddon Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Lucifer

Topics

Being Spiritually Awake Garment of Righteousness Good and Evil: Conflict Between Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of Nakedness Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Temple: Sending Forth the Forces of Righteousness Against the Powers of Evil The Blessed: Who Watch Against Sin The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As a Thief in the Night Watchfulness: Blessedness of Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning

Revelation 16:15

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