Devine Scripture

Revelation 16:15

What does Revelation 16:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 16:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 16:15 means

In the midst of the mobilization, a voice declares, “Behold, I come as a thief.” This is the Lord Jesus speaking, promising a sudden, surprising arrival. He pronounces a blessing on the one who stays awake and keeps his garments—remaining vigilant and undefiled—lest he be exposed in shame. The image of garments points to faithful character and public witness preserved in a hostile world. The warning is pastoral: readiness is not panic but steady watchfulness. The interjection reminds readers that, alongside visible tumults, the decisive factor is the coming of Christ, which will catch the unprepared but crown the alert with blessing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(See, I come as a thief. Happy is he who is watching and keeps his robes, so that he may not go unclothed, and his shame be seen.)

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`lo, I do come as a thief; happy <FI>is<Fi> he who is watching, and keeping his garments, that he may not walk naked, and they may see his unseemliness,' --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watches and keeps his garments, that he may not walk naked, and that they [may not] see his shame.)

Context

This beatitude interrupts the demonic gathering with a word to the saints. It reframes the narrative: even as kings assemble and signs deceive, the Church’s call is to watchfulness and purity. With that admonition given, the storyline resumes. Verse 16 reports the completion of the gathering at a specifically named place, and the seventh bowl will then bring God’s climactic verdict upon the rebellious world order.

v.14for they are spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.

v.15This passage

v.16And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:3

    if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

  • Luke 12:37

    Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • Matthew 24:42

    Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:6

    so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

  • Exodus 32:25

    And when Moses saw that the people were broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies,)

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