Devine Scripture

Revelation 15:1

What does Revelation 15:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 15:1 means

John beholds a fresh heavenly sign that arrests attention: seven angels entrusted with seven specific plagues. These are not random disasters but divinely assigned judgments. They are called the last because, through them, God’s wrath reaches its intended completion. The phrase underscores finality and purpose—God’s holy anger against persistent rebellion is neither impulsive nor endless, but righteous and resolute, coming to a determined finish. This prepares readers to see the coming judgments as the culmination of a moral process. The “great and marvellous” character of the sign invites reverent awe, reminding us that God’s justice, though severe, is glorious in its purity and integrity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having seven plagues, which are the last, for in them is finished the wrath of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having seven plagues, which are the last, for in them is finished the wrath of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and strange; seven angels having the seven last punishments, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I saw another sign in the heaven, great and wonderful, seven messengers having the seven last plagues, because in these was completed the wrath of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and wonderful: seven angels having the seven last plagues. For in them is filled up the wrath of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I saw another sign in the heaven, great and wonderful: seven angels having seven plagues, the last; for in them the fury ofGod is completed.

Context

Revelation 15 opens a new movement that prepares for the bowl judgments to be poured out in Revelation 16. After visions of conflict and warning in chapters 12–14, John now sees a concluding series of plagues. Verse 1 announces their final character and sets a solemn tone. Before the bowls are actually poured, the chapter pauses to show heaven’s perspective—victorious saints and worship—so readers grasp the moral and spiritual frame in which judgment falls. The next scene (verse 2) shifts to the sea of glass and the conquerors.

v.1This passage

v.2And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 10:3

    and he cried with a great voice, as a lion roareth: and when he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.

  • Revelation 12:1

    And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars;

  • Revelation 21:9

    And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were laden with the seven last plagues; and he spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the wife of the Lamb.

  • Revelation 8:2

    And I saw the seven angels that stand before God; and there were given unto them seven trumpets.

  • Matthew 13:49

    So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous,

  • Revelation 11:14

    The second Woe is past: behold, the third Woe cometh quickly.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 15

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 15.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Revelation 15:1.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary