King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:15 Mean?

Revelation 7:15 in the King James Version says “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the thron...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”

Revelation 7:15 · King James Version


Context

13

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.... This verse from Revelation's vision of sealed servants and innumerable multitude - god's protection and salvation 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 7:15 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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
διὰ1 of 27

“Therefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτό2 of 27
G5124

that thing

εἰσιν3 of 27

“are they”

G1526

they are

ἐνώπιον4 of 27

“before”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 27
G3588

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

θρόνου6 of 27

“the throne”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

τοῦ7 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 27

“of God”

G2316

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

καὶ9 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

λατρεύουσιν10 of 27

“serve”

G3000

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

αὐτούς11 of 27

“him”

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

ἡμέρας12 of 27

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

καὶ13 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

νυκτὸς14 of 27

“night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

ἐν15 of 27

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ16 of 27
G3588

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

ναῷ17 of 27

“temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

αὐτούς18 of 27

“him”

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

καὶ19 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ20 of 27
G3588

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

καθήμενος21 of 27

“he that sitteth”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπ'22 of 27

“among”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ23 of 27
G3588

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

θρόνου24 of 27

“the throne”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

σκηνώσει25 of 27

“shall dwell”

G4637

to tent or encamp, i.e., (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as god did in the tabernacle of old, a symbol of protectio

ἐπ'26 of 27

“among”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτούς27 of 27

“him”

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study