King James Version

What Does Revelation 16:5 Mean?

Revelation 16:5 in the King James Version says “And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art , and wast , and shalt be , because thou ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art , and wast , and shalt be , because thou hast judged thus.”

Revelation 16:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

4

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art , and wast , and shalt be , because thou hast judged thus.

6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

Read Revelation 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.... 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.

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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 16:5 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 · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἤκουσα2 of 21

“I heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὁ3 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ἀγγέλου4 of 21

“the angel”

G32

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

ὁ5 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ὑδάτων6 of 21

“of the waters”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

λέγοντος7 of 21

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Δίκαιος8 of 21

“righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

Κύριε,9 of 21

“O Lord”

G2962

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

εἶ10 of 21

“Thou art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ11 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ὢν12 of 21
G5607

being

καὶ13 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ14 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ἦν15 of 21

“wast”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ16 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ17 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ὅσιος18 of 21

“shalt be”

G3741

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

ὅτι19 of 21

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ταῦτα20 of 21

“thus”

G5023

these things

ἔκρινας21 of 21

“thou hast judged”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:8Revelation 11:17Revelation 1:4Psalms 145:172 Thessalonians 1:5-6Genesis 18:25

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