The Meaning of Revelation 15:6 Explained

Revelation 15:6

KJV: 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.

YLT: and come forth did the seven messengers having the seven plagues, out of the sanctuary, clothed in linen, pure and shining, and girded round the breasts with golden girdles:

Darby: and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in pure bright linen, and girded about the breasts with golden girdles.

ASV: and there came out from the temple the seven angels that had the seven plagues, arrayed with precious'stone, pure and bright, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Revelation 15:6 Mean?

Study Notes

angels
Angel, Summary: Angel, "messenger," is used of God, of men, and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom. 2 Samuel 14:20 ; Psalms 103:20 ; Psalms 104:4 . In the O.T. the expression "the angel of the Lord" (sometimes "of God") usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form.; Genesis 16:1-13 ; Genesis 21:17-19 ; Genesis 22:11-16 ; Genesis 31:11-13 ; Exodus 3:2-4 ; Judges 2:1 ; Judges 6:12-16 ; Judges 13:3-22 (See Scofield " Malachi 3:1 ") . The word "angel" is used of men in; Luke 7:24 ; James 2:25 ; Revelation 1:20 ; Revelation 2:1 ; Revelation 2:8 ; Revelation 2:12 ; Revelation 2:18 ; Revelation 3:1 ; Revelation 3:7 ; Revelation 3:14 In Revelation 8:3-5 . Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man.; Matthew 18:10 ; Acts 12:15 . Though angels are spirits; Psalms 104:4 ; Hebrews 1:14 power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form. Genesis 19:1 cf; Genesis 19:5 ; Exodus 3:2 ; Numbers 22:22-31 ; Judges 2:1 ; Judges 6:11 ; Judges 6:22 ; Judges 13:3 ; Judges 13:6 ; 1 Chronicles 21:16 ; 1 Chronicles 21:20 ; Matthew 1:20 ; Luke 1:26 ; John 20:12 ; Acts 7:30 ; Acts 12:7 ; Acts 12:8 etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels.; Matthew 22:30 ; Mark 12:25 . They are exceedingly numerous.; Matthew 26:53 ; Hebrews 12:22 ; Revelation 5:11 ; Psalms 68:17 . The power is inconceivable. 2 Kings 19:35 . Their place is about the throne of God.; Revelation 5:11 ; Revelation 7:11 . Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers.; 1 Kings 19:5 ; Psalms 34:7 ; Psalms 91:11 ; Daniel 6:22 ; Matthew 2:13 ; Matthew 2:19 ; Matthew 4:11 ; Luke 22:43 ; Acts 5:19 ; Acts 12:7-10 . From; Hebrews 1:14 ; Matthew 18:10 ; Psalms 91:11 it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us; 1 Corinthians 4:9 ; Ephesians 3:10 ; Ecclesiastes 5:6 a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints. Luke 16:22 . Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little "time" this lower place.; Psalms 8:4 ; Psalms 8:5 ; Hebrews 2:6 ; Hebrews 2:9 that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels. Hebrews 2:9 ; Hebrews 2:10 . The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent. Matthew 25:31 . To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations. Matthew 13:30 ; Matthew 13:39 ; Matthew 13:41 ; Matthew 13:42 . See Scofield " Matthew 25:32 ". The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:5 An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections.; Daniel 10:13 ; Daniel 10:21 ; Daniel 12:1 ; Daniel 12:2 ; Judges 1:9 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 . The only other angel whose name is revealed Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services.; Daniel 8:16 ; Daniel 9:21 ; Luke 1:19 ; Luke 1:26 .
Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned:
(1) "The angels which kept not their first estate place, but left their own habitation," are "chained under darkness," awaiting judgment. 2 Peter 2:4 ; Judges 1:6 ; 1 Corinthians 6:3 ; John 5:22 .
(See Scofield " Genesis 6:4 ")
(2) The angels who have Satan Genesis 3:1 as leader.
(See Scofield " Revelation 20:10 ") .
The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons.
(See Scofield " Matthew 7:22 ") . For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared. Matthew 25:41 ; Revelation 20:10 .

Verse Meaning

The seven angels now came out from God"s presence (cf. Revelation 15:1). Each of them had received a plague (judgment) from God. Beale regarded these seven judgments as figurative of complete, severe judgment and not seven literal woes. [1] The angels" clean linen garments represent holiness and righteousness (cf. Revelation 19:8; Revelation 19:14), and their golden sashes mark them as on a punitive mission (cf. Revelation 1:18). Their clothing befits their purpose, which is to purify the earth. [2]

Context Summary

Revelation 15:1-8 - The Song Of Moses And Of The Lamb
The imagery in the magnificent scene with which this chapter opens is perhaps borrowed from Pharaoh's overthrow in the Red Sea, which, as the rich lines of an Eastern dawn illuminated its waters, seemed like a sea of glass mingled with fire. So, beside the crystal sea of Time, from whose surface all traces of storm will have been removed and on which the eternal morning will be breaking, we, who by grace have overcome, shall celebrate the final victory of God. We shall sing an anthem in which the Hebrew and the Christian, the children of the old dispensation and of the new, the souls who have seen through a glass darkly and those who have beheld face to face, shall rejoice together.
One day we shall see the rightfulness of all that God has done, Revelation 15:4. All His ways are just and true, whether our poor human sense detects this or not. Let us dare to affirm it even now. Ponder that great name-King of the ages, Revelation 15:3, r.v. He only is holy; we need the perfect cleansing and righteousness which He gives us, that we may dare to stand in His presence. From this radiant vision, we turn sadly to the fate of the godless, Christ-rejecting world. See Revelation 15:1-8; Revelation 14:1-20; Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 12:1-17; Revelation 11:1-19; Revelation 10:1-11; Revelation 9:1-21; Revelation 8:1-13. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 15

1  The seven angels with the seven last plagues
3  The song of those who overcame the beast
7  The seven bowls full of the wrath of God

Greek Commentary for Revelation 15:6

There came out [εχηλταν]
Second aorist active indicative of εχερχομαι — exerchomai with αν — ̇an rather than ον — ̇on Proleptic and prophetic aorist. [source]
The seven angels [οι επτα αγγελοι]
Those in Revelation 15:1.The seven plagues (τας επτα πληγας — tas hepta plēgas). The bowls are not given them till Revelation 15:7.Arrayed Perfect passive participle of ενδυω — enduō precious stone pure and bright Accusative case retained with verb of clothing as so often, literally “with a stone pure bright.” For both adjectives together see Revelation 19:8, Revelation 19:14. Some MSS. read λινον — linon (linen). For λιτον — lithon see Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Ezekiel 28:13.Girt (περιεζωσμενοι — periezōsmenoi). Perfect passive participle of περιζωννυω — perizōnnuō See Revelation 1:13 for both participles. For στητος — stēthos (breast) see Luke 18:13.With golden girdles Accusative case after the perfect passive participle περιεζωσμενοι — periezōsmenoi as in Revelation 1:13. [source]
The seven plagues [τας επτα πληγας]
The bowls are not given them till Revelation 15:7. [source]
Arrayed [ενδεδυμενοι]
Perfect passive participle of ενδυω — enduō precious stone pure and bright Accusative case retained with verb of clothing as so often, literally “with a stone pure bright.” For both adjectives together see Revelation 19:8, Revelation 19:14. Some MSS. read λινον — linon (linen). For λιτον — lithon see Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Ezekiel 28:13.Girt (περιεζωσμενοι — periezōsmenoi). Perfect passive participle of περιζωννυω — perizōnnuō See Revelation 1:13 for both participles. For στητος — stēthos (breast) see Luke 18:13.With golden girdles Accusative case after the perfect passive participle περιεζωσμενοι — periezōsmenoi as in Revelation 1:13. [source]
Girt [περιεζωσμενοι]
Perfect passive participle of περιζωννυω — perizōnnuō See Revelation 1:13 for both participles. For στητος — stēthos (breast) see Luke 18:13. [source]
With golden girdles [ζωνας χρυσας]
Accusative case after the perfect passive participle περιεζωσμενοι — periezōsmenoi as in Revelation 1:13. [source]
Linen [λίνον]
The Rev. follows the reading λίθον stoneafter the analogy of Ezekiel 28:13, “Every precious stone was thy covering.” The idea is that of raiment studded with precious stones. See on Revelation 2:17. [source]
White [λαυπρὸν]
Mostly applied in the New Testament to clothing, as Luke 23:11; Acts 10:30; James 2:2. Also to the water of life (Revelation 22:1), and the morning-star (Revelation 22:16). Rev., bright. [source]
Girt round their breasts []
As the Lord in the vision of Revelation 1:13; where, however, μαστοῖς papsis used instead of στήθη breastsi0. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 15:6

Luke 23:11 Gorgeous [λαμπρὰν]
Lit., bright or brilliant. Compare Acts 10:30; Revelation 15:6. Wyc. and Tynd., white. Mark has purple ( πορφύραν )and Matthew scarlet ( κοκκίνην )Apparel ( ἐσθῆτα )The general term for raiment. Matthew specifies the garment (Matthew 27:28). Mark has simply purple (sa40" translation="">Mark 15:17).sa40 [source]
Luke 10:30 Wounded [πληγὰς ἐπιθέντες]
Lit., having laid on blows. Blows or stripes is the usual sense of the word in the New Testament. See Luke 12:48; Acts 16:23. It has the metaphorical sense of plagues in Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, Revelation 15:8, etc. [source]
Luke 10:30 Was going down [κατεβαινεν]
Imperfect active describing the journey.Fell among robbers (ληισταις περιεπεσεν — lēistais periepesen). Second aorist ingressive active indicative of περιπιπτω — peripiptō old verb with associative instrumental case, to fall among and to be encompassed by (περι — peri around), to be surrounded by robbers. A common experience to this day on the road to Jericho. The Romans placed a fort on this “red and bloody way.” These were bandits, not petty thieves.Stripped Of his clothing as well as of his money, the meanest sort of robbers.Beat him (πληγας επιτεντες — plēgas epithentes). Second aorist active participle of επιτιτημι — epitithēmi a common verb. Literally, “placing strokes or blows” (πληγας — plēgas plagues) upon him. See Luke 12:48; Acts 16:23; and Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, and Revelation 15:8 for “plagues.”Half-dead Late word from ημι — hēmi half, and τνησκω — thnēskō to die. Only here in the N.T. Vivid picture of the robbery. [source]
Luke 10:30 Stripped [εκδυσαντες]
Of his clothing as well as of his money, the meanest sort of robbers.Beat him (πληγας επιτεντες — plēgas epithentes). Second aorist active participle of επιτιτημι — epitithēmi a common verb. Literally, “placing strokes or blows” (πληγας — plēgas plagues) upon him. See Luke 12:48; Acts 16:23; and Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, and Revelation 15:8 for “plagues.”Half-dead Late word from ημι — hēmi half, and τνησκω — thnēskō to die. Only here in the N.T. Vivid picture of the robbery. [source]
Luke 10:30 Beat him [πληγας επιτεντες]
Second aorist active participle of επιτιτημι — epitithēmi a common verb. Literally, “placing strokes or blows” (πληγας — plēgas plagues) upon him. See Luke 12:48; Acts 16:23; and Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, and Revelation 15:8 for “plagues.” [source]
Revelation 18:14 Goodly [λαμπρὰ]
A too indefinite rendering. Better, Rev., sumptuous. See on Luke 23:11; see on James 2:2. Mostly in the New Testament of clothing. See on Revelation 15:6. [source]
Revelation 1:13 Girt about the paps [περιεζωσμένον πρὸς τοῖς μαστοῖς]
Rev., more correctly, “girt about at ( πρὸς ) the breasts.” Compare Revelation 15:6. The ordinary girding was at the loins. According to Josephus, the Levitical priests were girded about the breast. [source]
Revelation 19:8 In fine linen, bright and pure [βυσσινον λαμπρον καταρον]
See Revelation 19:14 for the same raiment on those accompanying “The Word of God” and for the seven angels in Revelation 15:6. See by contrast the garments of the harlot (Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16). For βυσσινον — bussinon see Revelation 18:16.The righteous acts of the saints (τα δικαιωματα των αγιων — ta dikaiōmata tōn hagiōn). This is the explanation (γαρ — gar) of the bridal dress and explains why there is work for the Bride as well as for Christ (Philemon 2:12.). See Revelation 15:4 for δικαιωμα — dikaiōma (also Romans 5:18). [source]
Revelation 19:14 Followed [ηκολουτει]
Imperfect active and singular Note ενδεδυμενοι — endedumenoi here as in Revelation 1:13; Revelation 15:6. [source]
Revelation 22:1 A river of water of life [ποταμον υδατος ζωης]
For υδωρ ζωης — hudōr zōēs (water of life) see Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17; John 4:14. There was a river in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10). The metaphor of river reappears in Zechariah 14:8; Ezekiel 47:9, and the fountain of life in Joel 3:18; Jeremiah 2:13; Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 13:14; Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 16:22; Psalm 36:10.Bright as crystal (λαμπρον ως κρυσταλλον — lampron hōs krustallon). See Revelation 4:6 for κρυσταλλον — krustallon and Revelation 15:6; Revelation 19:8; Revelation 22:16 for λαμπρον — lampron “Sparkling like rock crystal” (Swete), shimmering like mountain water over the rocks.Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb Cf. Ezekiel 47:1; Zechariah 14:8. Already in Revelation 3:21 Christ is pictured as sharing the Father‘s throne as in Hebrews 1:3. See also Revelation 22:3. This phrase has no bearing on the doctrine of the Procession of the Holy Spirit. [source]
Revelation 22:1 Bright as crystal [λαμπρον ως κρυσταλλον]
See Revelation 4:6 for κρυσταλλον — krustallon and Revelation 15:6; Revelation 19:8; Revelation 22:16 for λαμπρον — lampron “Sparkling like rock crystal” (Swete), shimmering like mountain water over the rocks. [source]
Revelation 9:18 By these three plagues [απο των τριων πληγων τουτων]
Our “plague” or stroke from πλησσω — plēssō as in Luke 10:30 and often in Rev (Revelation 9:20; Revelation 11:6; Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, Revelation 15:8; Revelation 16:9; Revelation 18:4, Revelation 18:8; Revelation 22:18). It is used in Exodus 11:1. for the plagues in Egypt. The three plagues here are the fire, smoke, and brimstone which proceed from the mouths of the horses. [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 15:6 mean?

And came forth the seven angels - having the seven plagues out of the temple having been clothed in linen pure bright having been girded with around the chests sashes golden
καὶ ἐξῆλθον οἱ ἑπτὰ ἄγγελοι οἱ ἔχοντες τὰς ἑπτὰ πληγὰς ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ἐνδεδυμένοι λίνον καθαρὸν λαμπρὸν περιεζωσμένοι περὶ τὰ στήθη ζώνας χρυσᾶς

ἐξῆλθον  came  forth 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἐξέρχομαι 
Sense: to go or come forth of.
ἑπτὰ  seven 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἑπτά  
Sense: seven.
ἄγγελοι  angels 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἄγγελος  
Sense: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God.
οἱ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἑπτὰ  seven 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: ἑπτά  
Sense: seven.
πληγὰς  plagues 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: πληγή  
Sense: a blow, stripe, a wound.
ἐκ  out 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ναοῦ  temple 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ναός  
Sense: used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies (in classical Greek it is used of the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of gold was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure).
ἐνδεδυμένοι  having  been  clothed  in 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐνδύω  
Sense: to sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one’s self.
λίνον  linen 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: λίνον  
Sense: linen clothing made from flax.
καθαρὸν  pure 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: καθαρός  
Sense: clean, pure.
λαμπρὸν  bright 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: λαμπρός  
Sense: shining.
περιεζωσμένοι  having  been  girded  with 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: περιζώννυμι 
Sense: to fasten garments with a girdle or belt.
περὶ  around 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
στήθη  chests 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: στῆθος  
Sense: the breast.
ζώνας  sashes 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: ζώνη  
Sense: a girdle, belt, serving not only to gird on flowing garments but also, since it was hollow, to carry money in.
χρυσᾶς  golden 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: χρύσεος 
Sense: golden.