Devine Scripture

Revelation 19:8

What does Revelation 19:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 19:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 19:8 means

The bride’s clothing is a gift—“it was given unto her”—and also a description of her character: fine linen, bright and pure. John interprets the symbol: the fine linen represents “the righteous acts of the saints.” The church’s beauty is not self-invented glamour but holiness worked out in obedient deeds. Yet even these deeds are given; they flow from grace, not self-congratulation. Bright purity replaces Babylon’s gaudy attire; righteousness, not seduction, adorns Christ’s people. This attire is fitting for a wedding to the Lamb, whose own righteousness secures theirs. The imagery reassures suffering believers that their persevering faithfulness is noticed in heaven and will be publicly honored.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to her it was given to be clothed in delicate linen, clean and shining: for the clean linen is the righteousness of the saints.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and there was given to her that she may be arrayed with fine linen, pure and shining, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it is granted to her that she should clothe herself with fine linen, glittering and white. For the fine linen are the justifications of saints.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it was given to her that she should be clothed in fine linen, bright [and] pure; for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of the saints.

Context

Following the announcement of the wedding in verse 7, this verse explains the bride’s readiness in concrete terms. The clothing symbolizes character expressed in action, and the passive “was given” guards against any impression of self-made righteousness. The explanation ties back to the saints who suffered under Babylon’s corrupting influence and were avenged (verse 2). It also transitions to the authoritative blessing of those invited (verse 9), highlighting that participation in this supper is a grace-filled privilege, not an entitlement. The tone remains celebratory and holy before the narrative pivots to a new vision (verse 11).

v.7Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

v.8This passage

v.9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 22:12

    and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

  • Matthew 17:2

    and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

  • Revelation 15:4

    Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest.

  • Ephesians 5:26

    that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,

  • Psalms 45:13

    The king’s daughter within the palace is all glorious: Her clothing is inwrought with gold.

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