What does Revelation 15:4 mean?

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. Revelation 15:4

Explanation

Revelation 15:4 focuses on the sovereignty and holiness of God, projecting Him as the ultimate authority deserving reverence from all nations. The verse expresses a certainty that all people will recognize God’s just nature and will worship Him. The recognition of God’s character leads to a fear, which in biblical context often means a deep reverence and awe for God’s majesty and justice, acknowledging Him as the ultimate judge. The declaration that “thou only art holy” underscores His uniqueness and purity, separating God from all other beings. This verse conveys the idea that God’s righteous acts—His judgments—are clear and evident to all, leading to universal worship and reverence.

Historical Context

Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to John and is often called the Apocalypse, which means “revelation” or “unveiling” in Greek. The book addresses Christians who were under persecution and provides a vision of divine justice and ultimate victory of good over evil. This particular verse is part of a section which includes the “song of Moses” and the “song of the Lamb,” suggesting a parallel between God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and His ultimate deliverance of humanity from the forces of evil. Written in a time of distress, the text encouraged the early Christian community by affirming God’s control and faithfulness.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Revelation 15:4 in varying lights. Preterists believe this verse and much of Revelation refers to events in the first century, with the verse indicating the Roman Empire’s recognition of God’s power. Historicists view it as part of prophecy unfolding through history, suggesting a future time when God will be universally acknowledged. Futurists often see this as a description of end-time events when God’s judgments will lead all nations to recognize His holiness. Idealists see it as a symbolic portrayal of the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Across these views, the holiness and sovereignty of God are central themes.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Revelation 15:4 encourages believers to maintain a sense of reverence for God and a commitment to justice in their daily lives. It suggests that recognition of God’s holiness should lead to worship and ethical living. The verse can also be seen as a call to inclusivity and peace, as it envisions all nations coming together in worship. Furthermore, it offers hope that despite the injustices in the world, there will be a future manifestation of God’s righteous judgment.

Cross-References

• Psalm 86:9: “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.”
• Isaiah 45:23: “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”
• Philippians 2:10-11: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Language Study

The key words in Revelation 15:4 are:

• “Fear” (Greek: φοβηθήσεται – phobēthēsetai): to be in awe, revere, or respect.
• “Glorify” (Greek: δοξάσῃ – doxasē): to honor or give glory.
• “Holy” (Greek: ὅσιος – hosios): piety towards God, sanctity.
• “Judgments” (Greek: κρίματα – krimata): decisions, verdicts, or judgments that are just and righteous.

Understanding these words in the original language emphasizes the reverence owed to God and the justice of His decisions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, various myths and religions also featured the concept of divine judgment and a god’s uniqueness. For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of Ma’at embodied justice and order, and the goddess Ma’at was associated with the judgment of the dead. Revelation 15:4 uniquely focuses on the monotheistic worship of the singular God of Christianity and the universality of His judgment and worship.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not commonly intersect with the poetic and prophetic language of Revelation. The fear, worship, and judgment mentioned in Revelation 15:4 fall within the realm of religious belief and practice, rather than empirical scientific investigation. However, the universalism implied in the verse could be seen as paralleling the understanding that certain moral values, such as fairness and justice, are found across human societies.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have provided various commentaries on Revelation 15:4:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the righteousness and holiness of God’s judgments, suggesting that these qualities make God’s name glorious and fearful.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes that the song in Revelation 15, which includes verse 4, serves as an affirmation of God’s just and true ways, celebrating the final deliverance of God’s people.
• John MacArthur comments on the “fear” mentioned in the verse, elucidating that it signifies reverent worship in response to God’s holy nature.
• Warren Wiersbe, in his “Be” Series, discusses Revelation 15:4 as providing a scene of victory and worship, a contrast to the scenes of judgment, highlighting God’s character as the reason for worship.