King James Version

What Does Revelation 15:1 Mean?

Revelation 15:1 in the King James Version says “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is fille...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. saints: or, nations, or, ages

Read Revelation 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven angels with seven plagues - completion of god's wrath, moses and lamb's song employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 15:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 25

“I saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄλλο3 of 25

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

σημεῖον4 of 25

“sign”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐν5 of 25

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ6 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῷ7 of 25

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

μέγα8 of 25

“great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ9 of 25

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θαυμαστόν10 of 25

“marvellous”

G2298

wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful

ἀγγέλους11 of 25

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἑπτὰ12 of 25

“seven”

G2033

seven

ἔχοντας13 of 25

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πληγὰς14 of 25

“plagues”

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

ἑπτὰ15 of 25

“seven”

G2033

seven

τὰς16 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐσχάτας17 of 25

“last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ὅτι18 of 25

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν19 of 25

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐταῖς20 of 25

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐτελέσθη21 of 25

“is filled up”

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

ὁ22 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυμὸς23 of 25

“the wrath”

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ25 of 25

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:21Revelation 15:6-7Revelation 21:9Daniel 4:2-3Revelation 19:15Revelation 14:19

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