King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:15 Mean?

Revelation 6:15 in the King James Version says “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every b... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Revelation 6:15 · KJV


Context

13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. untimely figs: or, green figs

14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the m... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven seals - god's judgments on rebellious earth, cry of martyrs 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 6:15 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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

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

οἱ2 of 34
G3588

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

βασιλεῖς3 of 34

the kings

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς4 of 34
G3588

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

γῆς5 of 34

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ6 of 34

And

G2532

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

οἱ7 of 34
G3588

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

μεγιστᾶνες8 of 34

the great men

G3175

grandees

καὶ9 of 34

And

G2532

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

οἱ10 of 34
G3588

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

πλούσιοι11 of 34

the rich men

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

καὶ12 of 34

And

G2532

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

οἱ13 of 34
G3588

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

χιλίαρχοι14 of 34

the chief captains

G5506

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

καὶ15 of 34

And

G2532

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

οἱ16 of 34
G3588

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

δυνατοὶ,17 of 34

the mighty men

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

καὶ18 of 34

And

G2532

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

πᾶς19 of 34

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δοῦλος20 of 34

bondman

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

καὶ21 of 34

And

G2532

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

πᾶς22 of 34

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐλεύθερος23 of 34

free man

G1658

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

ἔκρυψαν24 of 34

hid

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

ἑαυτοὺς25 of 34

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

εἰς26 of 34

in

G1519

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

τὰ27 of 34
G3588

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

σπήλαια28 of 34

the dens

G4693

a cavern; by implication, a hiding-place or resort

καὶ29 of 34

And

G2532

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

εἰς30 of 34

in

G1519

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

τὰς31 of 34
G3588

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

πέτρας32 of 34

the rocks

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

τῶν33 of 34
G3588

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

ὀρέων34 of 34

of the mountains

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)


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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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