King James Version

What Does Revelation 16:15 Mean?

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his s... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

Revelation 16:15 · King James Version

Context

13

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

16

And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

17

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Read Revelation 16 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven bowls of wrath - final judgments, battle of armageddon, babylon's fall announced 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 16:15 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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἰδού,
1 of 21

“Behold”

G2400
used as imperative lo!
ἔρχομαι
2 of 21

“I come”

G2064
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὡς
3 of 21

“as”

G5613
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
κλέπτης
4 of 21

“a thief”

G2812
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
μακάριος
5 of 21

“Blessed”

G3107
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
ὁ
6 of 21
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γρηγορῶν
7 of 21

“is he that watcheth”

G1127
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
8 of 21

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τηρῶν
9 of 21

“keepeth”

G5083
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
τὰ
10 of 21
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱμάτια
11 of 21

“garments”

G2440
a dress (inner or outer)
αὐτοῦ
12 of 21

“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
ἵνα
13 of 21
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
μὴ
14 of 21
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γυμνὸς
15 of 21

“naked”

G1131
nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)
περιπατῇ
16 of 21

“he walk”

G4043
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
καὶ
17 of 21

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βλέπωσιν
18 of 21

“they see”

G991
to look at (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
19 of 21
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσχημοσύνην
20 of 21

“shame”

G808
an indecency; by implication, the pudenda
αὐτοῦ
21 of 21

“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

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 16:15 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 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3Matthew 24:42-43Revelation 3:182 Peter 3:10Revelation 3:3-4Matthew 25:13

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