What does Revelation 7:15 mean?

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. Revelation 7:15

Explanation

Revelation 7:15 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, part of the apocalyptic literature contained in the Book of Revelation or the Apocalypse of John. This verse describes the blessed state of those who have come through great tribulation and have remained faithful to God. The “throne of God” is the central point of divine authority and presence, often depicted in the Bible as the locus of worship and divine governance. The verse implies a direct and intimate relationship between God and those who serve Him, indicating a reward for faithfulness and endurance through suffering.

The phrase “serve him day and night in his temple” suggests continual worship and devotion without pause, in a spiritual space where the divine presence is manifest. “He that sitteth on the throne” refers to God, who in this context, offers a protective and abiding presence, indicated by “shall dwell among them.” The implication is that those who are faithful to God will be granted a closeness to Him and will be sheltered by His presence.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation is traditionally attributed to John, who is believed to have written it while exiled on the island of Patmos, possibly around 95 AD. The book is an apocalyptic text, which means it’s a revelation concerning hidden things, often delivered through visions or dreams. Written during a time when Christians faced persecution, it served as both a warning and a word of hope to the faithful—a promise of God’s ultimate justice and the eventual triumph of good over evil.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse falls within the eschatological framework of Christian thought, dealing with the “end times” or last things. It has been interpreted in various ways:

• Preterists believe that Revelation, including this verse, primarily addresses events that occurred in the first century, like the destruction of Jerusalem.
• Futurists interpret it as predictive, relating to events still to come, especially those surrounding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
• Idealists view Revelation as symbolic of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, which is not limited to any particular historical period.
• Historicists interpret the visions as describing the long trajectory of history from John’s time to the end of the world.

Practical Applications

This verse emphasizes the virtues of perseverance and faith. It suggests that enduring through hardships and maintaining faithfulness to God will be rewarded with a proximity to God’s presence. Practically, individuals can draw comfort and motivation from this promise, staying steadfast in their beliefs and moral actions despite adversities, with the hope of divine acknowledgment and presence as their reward.

Cross-References

• Revelation 21:3 – “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
• Psalm 84:4 – “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.”
• Isaiah 4:5-6 – “And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night…”

Language Study

The original Greek language used in the Book of Revelation is key to understanding its meaning:

• “Serve” (λατρεύουσιν – latreuousin) can mean worship or perform sacred services.
• “Temple” (ναοῦ – naou) refers to the sanctuary or holy place, distinct from the word used for the entire temple complex.
• “Dwell” (σκηνώσει – skēnōsei) is related to the word for “tent” or “tabernacle,” suggesting a temporary yet protective abode that implies closeness and communion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a deity dwelling among people is not unique to Christianity. Ancient mythologies often depicted gods in close proximity to their devotees. For example, in ancient Egypt, the gods were believed to inhabit statues within the temple sanctuaries. Similarly, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that their gods could visit them, hence the numerous stories of deities walking the earth.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, Revelation is often seen as symbolic, since it deals with visions and symbolic representations rather than empirical observations. The verse may be understood metaphorically, rather than as a description of a physical reality. From a psychological perspective, the promise of God’s presence can offer reassurance and emotional comfort to believers.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Revelation 7:15:

• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the comfort provided to those who have suffered for their faith, highlighting the continual state of worship as a joyful and willing act.
• The ESV Study Bible notes the protective aspect of God’s presence and the contrast between the earthly temple and the heavenly worship scene.
• The New Oxford Annotated Bible discusses the apocalyptic nature of the verse and how it fits into the overall message of hope and perseverance contained in Revelation.