King James Version

What Does Revelation 15:6 Mean?

Revelation 15:6 in the King James Version says “And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 15:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

8

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Read Revelation 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 15:6 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 · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθον2 of 24

“came”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οἱ3 of 24
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ4 of 24

“the seven”

G2033

seven

ἄγγελοι5 of 24

“angels”

G32

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

ἔχοντες6 of 24

“having”

G2192

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

τὰς7 of 24
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ8 of 24

“the seven”

G2033

seven

πληγὰς9 of 24

“plagues”

G4127

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

ἐκ10 of 24

“out of”

G1537

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

τοῦ11 of 24
G3588

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

ναοῦ12 of 24

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ἐνδεδυμένοι13 of 24

“clothed”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

λίνον14 of 24

“linen”

G3043

flax, i.e., (by implication) "linen"

καθαρὸν15 of 24

“in pure”

G2513

clean (literally or figuratively)

καὶ16 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

λαμπρὸν17 of 24

“white”

G2986

radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)

καὶ18 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

περιεζωσμένοι19 of 24

“girded”

G4024

to gird all around, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively)

περὶ20 of 24

“with”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τὰ21 of 24
G3588

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

στήθη22 of 24

“having their breasts”

G4738

the (entire external) bosom, i.e., chest

ζώνας23 of 24

“girdles”

G2223

a belt; by implication, a pocket

χρυσᾶς24 of 24

“golden”

G5552

made of gold

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 15:6 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 15:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:13Revelation 15:1Ezekiel 44:17-18Exodus 28:5-8Revelation 14:15Luke 24:4

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