King James Version

What Does Revelation 15:2 Mean?

Revelation 15:2 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 15:2 · 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

4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 ... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 15:2 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 · 39 words
καὶ1 of 39

And

G2532

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

εἶδον2 of 39

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

ὡς3 of 39

as it were

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

θάλασσαν4 of 39

a sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ὑαλίνην5 of 39

of glass

G5193

glassy, i.e., transparent

μεμιγμένην6 of 39

mingled

G3396

to mix

πυρί7 of 39

with fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

καὶ8 of 39

And

G2532

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

τοὺς9 of 39
G3588

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

νικῶντας10 of 39

them that had gotten the victory

G3528

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ11 of 39

and over

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ12 of 39
G3588

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

θηρίου13 of 39

the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ14 of 39

And

G2532

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

ἐκ15 of 39

and over

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς16 of 39
G3588

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

εἰκόνος17 of 39

image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

αὐτοῦ18 of 39

his

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

καὶ19 of 39

And

G2532

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

ἐκ20 of 39

and over

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ21 of 39
G3588

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

χαράγματος22 of 39

mark

G5480

a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)

αὐτοῦ23 of 39

his

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

ἐκ24 of 39

and over

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ25 of 39
G3588

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

ἀριθμοῦ26 of 39

the number

G706

a number (as reckoned up)

τοῦ27 of 39
G3588

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

ὀνόματος28 of 39

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ29 of 39

his

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

ἑστῶτας30 of 39

stand

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ31 of 39

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν32 of 39
G3588

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

θάλασσαν33 of 39

a sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

τὴν34 of 39
G3588

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

ὑαλίνην35 of 39

of glass

G5193

glassy, i.e., transparent

ἔχοντας36 of 39

having

G2192

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

κιθάρας37 of 39

the harps

G2788

a lyre

τοῦ38 of 39
G3588

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

θεοῦ39 of 39

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study