What does Revelation 6:17 mean?

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Revelation 6:17

Explanation

Revelation 6:17 reads, “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” This verse occurs within the context of the opening of the sixth seal of a scroll in the Book of Revelation. The seal’s opening triggers a series of catastrophic events, signaling the impending judgment and the divine wrath of God. The “great day” alludes to a time of reckoning, often interpreted as the end times or the Day of Judgment. The rhetorical question, “and who shall be able to stand?” implies that the wrath of God is so overwhelming that it would be impossible for mortals to withstand it. It reflects a theme of accountability and the omnipotence of divine judgment.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was authored by John the Apostle while exiled on the island of Patmos, likely around A.D. 95-96. The Roman Empire was in power, and Christians faced persecution under Emperor Domitian. This backdrop is key to understanding the imagery of Revelation, as it uses apocalyptic language to communicate hope and vindication for the faithful who are enduring suffering. It was written to seven churches in Asia Minor and spoke to their struggles, presenting God’s ultimate victory over evil.

Theological Insights

The verse is rich with theological significance. Christian eschatology (study of end times) often focuses on this verse to underscore the unavoidable nature of divine judgment. Different theological perspectives interpret the “great day of his wrath” variously:

• Preterists understand the “great day” as an event that already occurred, specifically the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
• Historicists view it as part of a long series of church history events leading to the end.
• Futurists believe it predicts a literal future period when God will judge the world.
• Idealists see it symbolically representing the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Revelation 6:17 can inspire self-reflection and moral inventory, as individuals consider the idea of divine judgment and what it means to “be able to stand.” It encourages believers to persevere in faith and ethical living, consistent with the teachings of the New Testament. The verse can also be seen as a call to evangelism, to deliver the message of salvation so that others may stand confidently on the day of wrath through faith in Christ.

Cross-References

Several other verses in the Bible touch on themes similar to Revelation 6:17:

• Joel 2:11: “And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”
• Malachi 3:2: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:”
• Revelation 16:14: “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
• Matthew 24:30: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Language Study

The Greek word for “wrath” in this verse is “orge,” which often denotes a settled anger or indignation. The phrase “the great day” translates from “he megale hemera,” reflecting a specific occasion of monumental significance. The word for “able” from “who shall be able to stand?” is “dunamai,” which conveys the capacity or power to do something.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Apocalyptic literature and imagery of divine wrath and judgment are not unique to Christianity. Many ancient cultures, including Greek, Norse, and Mesopotamian civilizations, had their own versions of an end-of-the-world scenario, often linked to a god or gods dispensing final justice. Zoroastrianism speaks of a “Day of Judgment” similar in concept to the Christian apocalypse.

Scientific Perspectives

The Book of Revelation’s apocalyptic narrative is primarily theological and symbolic. As such, scientific perspectives do not directly relate to these prophecies. However, some individuals attempt to correlate natural disasters and astronomical events with these biblical prophecies, although such efforts are speculative and not grounded in scientific methodology.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have interpreted Revelation 6:17 through different lenses. Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that the verse illustrates the terrors that will overtake the enemies of the church. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the grandeur and terror of the coming judgment day. Other modern commentaries may link this verse to the need for spiritual preparedness and highlight the importance of fidelity to God in the face of eschatological promise or peril.