King James Version

What Does Revelation 15:8 Mean?

Revelation 15:8 in the King James Version says “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 te...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 15:8 · KJV

Context

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 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.... 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 15:8 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

ἐγεμίσθη2 of 30

“was filled”

G1072

to fill entirely

ὁ3 of 30
G3588

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

ναὸν4 of 30

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

καπνοῦ5 of 30

“with smoke”

G2586

smoke

ἐκ6 of 30

“from”

G1537

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

τῆς7 of 30
G3588

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

δόξης8 of 30

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τοῦ9 of 30
G3588

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

θεοῦ10 of 30

“of God”

G2316

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

καὶ11 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκ12 of 30

“from”

G1537

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

τῆς13 of 30
G3588

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

δυνάμεως14 of 30

“power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

αὐτοῦ15 of 30

“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

καὶ16 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς17 of 30

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἠδύνατο18 of 30

“was able”

G1410

to be able or possible

εἰσελθεῖν19 of 30

“to enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς20 of 30

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν21 of 30
G3588

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

ναὸν22 of 30

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ἄχρι23 of 30

“till”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τελεσθῶσιν24 of 30

“were fulfilled”

G5055

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

αἱ25 of 30
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ26 of 30

“of the seven”

G2033

seven

πληγαὶ27 of 30

“plagues”

G4127

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

τῶν28 of 30
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ29 of 30

“of the seven”

G2033

seven

ἀγγέλων30 of 30

“angels”

G32

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

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 15:8 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 15:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:41 Kings 8:10-11Exodus 40:34-352 Chronicles 5:13-14Revelation 15:1Psalms 29:9

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 15 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes