King James Version

What Does Revelation 15:4 Mean?

Revelation 15:4 in the King James Version says “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship be... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 15:4 · KJV


Context

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.

5

And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

6

And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 15:4 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 · 28 words
τίς1 of 28

Who

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὐ2 of 28
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ3 of 28
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβηθῇ4 of 28

fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

σε,5 of 28

thee

G4571

thee

κύριε6 of 28

O Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ7 of 28

and

G2532

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

δοξάσῃ8 of 28

glorify

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸ9 of 28
G3588

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

ὄνομά10 of 28

name

G3686

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

σου11 of 28

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

ὅτι12 of 28

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μόνος13 of 28

thou only

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

ὅσιος14 of 28

art holy

G3741

properly, right (by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from 1342, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from g2413, whic

ὅτι15 of 28

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάντα16 of 28

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ17 of 28
G3588

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

ἔθνη18 of 28

nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἥξουσιν19 of 28

shall come

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

καὶ20 of 28

and

G2532

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

προσκυνήσουσιν21 of 28

worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

ἐνώπιόν22 of 28

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

σου23 of 28

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

ὅτι24 of 28

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὰ25 of 28
G3588

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

δικαιώματά26 of 28

judgments

G1345

an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision

σου27 of 28

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐφανερώθησαν28 of 28

are made manifest

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)


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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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