Revelation 15:2

KJV

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} as it were {G5613} a sea {G2281} of glass {G5193} mingled {G3396} with fire {G4442}: and {G2532} them that had gotten the victory {G3528} over {G1537} the beast {G2342}, and {G2532} over {G1537} his {G846} image {G1504}, and {G2532} over {G1537} his {G846} mark {G5480}, and over {G1537} the number {G706} of his {G846} name {G3686}, stand {G2476} on {G1909} the sea {G2281} of glass {G5193}, having {G2192} the harps {G2788} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. Those defeating the beast, its image and the number of its name were standing by the sea of glass, holding harps which God had given them.

Berean Standard Bible

And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God,

American Standard Version

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 15:2 presents a profound vision of triumphant saints standing before God's throne, having overcome the oppressive power of the beast, his idolatrous image, his identifying mark, and the numerical representation of his name. This scene, set upon a "sea of glass mingled with fire," depicts the vindication and purity of those who remained faithful amidst intense persecution, now gathered in heavenly worship, equipped with the harps of God, poised to witness the outpouring of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 15 serves as a pivotal interlude within John's apocalyptic vision, bridging the conclusion of the seven trumpet judgments (Revelation 8-11) and the impending seven bowl judgments (Revelation 16). Following the intense narratives of the beast, the false prophet, and the mark of the beast in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast and His Mark"), and the contrasting vision of the 144,000 standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion in [Revelation 14](/revelation/14 "Revelation 14 - The Lamb and the 144,000"), chapter 15 offers a moment of heavenly perspective. It introduces the seven angels with the seven last plagues, but before their release, it pauses to highlight the glorious state of the redeemed, providing assurance of God's ultimate victory and the vindication of His faithful people. This scene of worship and triumph sets a theological framework for understanding the justice and righteousness of the judgments that are about to follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation 15:2 draws heavily from Old Testament motifs and addresses the historical realities faced by early Christians. The "sea of glass" echoes the "bronze sea" in the Jerusalem Temple ([1 Kings 7:23](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23 - The Bronze Sea")) and the pavement of sapphire under God's feet in [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - The Pavement of Sapphire"), symbolizing divine purity and transcendence. The "fire" element evokes the consuming holiness of God and His judgment, reminiscent of the pillar of fire that guided Israel ([Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - Pillar of Fire")) or the fire on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai in Fire")). The "beast, his image, mark, and number of his name" are direct allusions to the Roman imperial cult, which demanded worship of the emperor and participation in economic life tied to such allegiance. Refusal meant severe persecution, often martyrdom. For Christians in Asia Minor, facing pressure to conform, this vision of heavenly triumph offered profound encouragement and validation of their costly faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that despite the apparent triumph of evil on earth, God remains in ultimate control, and His judgments are righteous and inevitable. Secondly, it highlights **Perseverance and Victory** for the saints; their triumph is not over physical death, but over spiritual compromise, proving that faithfulness in the face of tribulation leads to ultimate vindication and reward in God's presence. This aligns with the repeated promise to the overcomers in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches") and the vision of the great multitude in [Revelation 7:9-17](/revelation/7-9-17 "Revelation 7:9-17 - The Great Multitude"). Finally, the presence of "harps of God" emphasizes the central theme of **Worship and Adoration** as the ultimate response of the redeemed, a continuous activity in the heavenly realm that culminates their journey of faith and suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gotten the victory (Greek, _nikáō'_):** This primary verb means "to subdue," "to conquer," or "to overcome." In the context of Revelation, it consistently describes the spiritual triumph of believers who remain faithful to Christ despite intense opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom. Their victory is not necessarily physical survival but rather a refusal to compromise their faith, thereby overcoming the beast's spiritual and ideological dominion.
* **beast (Greek, _thēríon'_):** Diminutive from a root meaning "dangerous animal," this term refers to the tyrannical political power described in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast and His Mark"), which persecutes God's people and demands worship. It embodies oppressive, anti-God authority, often associated with imperial power that sets itself against the divine will.
* **glass (Greek, _hyálinos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "glass," this adjective describes something "glassy" or "transparent." When combined with "sea," it evokes an image of pristine purity, clarity, and perhaps stillness, contrasting with the turbulent "sea" often symbolizing chaos or the nations in biblical prophecy. Its transparency suggests God's perfect knowledge and the purity required for His presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire":** John's vision begins with a striking image of the heavenly throne room. The "sea of glass" (first seen in [Revelation 4:6](/revelation/4-6 "Revelation 4:6 - The Sea of Glass")) signifies the serene, pure, and unblemished holiness surrounding God's throne. The addition of "mingled with fire" introduces an element of divine judgment, consuming holiness, and perhaps the fiery trials through which the saints have passed. It sets a scene that is both majestic and awe-inspiring, reflecting God's glorious presence and His righteous character, which is both pure and punitive towards evil.
* **"and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name":** This clause identifies the specific group standing on this divine platform. They are not simply survivors, but "victors" – those who actively resisted and conquered the spiritual and political pressures exerted by the beast. Their victory is defined by their refusal to submit to the beast's authority, worship his idol, accept his identifying "mark" (which symbolized allegiance and economic participation), or acknowledge the "number of his name" (a cryptic representation of his identity and power). This highlights their unwavering loyalty to God, even unto death, and their triumph over the pervasive evil of the age.
* **"stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.":** Their position "on the sea of glass" symbolizes their purity, their vindication, and their privileged access to God's immediate presence. It signifies their sanctified state, having been purified through their faithfulness. The "harps of God" are instruments of praise and worship, indicating that their ultimate purpose and activity in this triumphant state is to offer adoration to God. This imagery underscores that their victory leads directly into eternal communion and worship, a profound reward for their perseverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Symbolism**, employing powerful images to convey profound theological truths. The "sea of glass" symbolizes divine purity, holiness, and the tranquil, unblemished nature of God's presence, while its mingling "with fire" adds the dimension of divine judgment, consuming holiness, and the refining trials of the saints. The "beast," "image," "mark," and "number of his name" are potent symbols of oppressive, anti-God power and the systems of idolatry and economic control that demand allegiance. The "harps of God" are a universal symbol of praise and worship, signifying the ultimate activity of the redeemed. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the earthly tribulation and the heavenly triumph, highlighting the ultimate vindication of the faithful. The vivid **Imagery** creates a powerful visual of heavenly glory and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 15:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate justice and the assured victory of His faithful people. It reassures believers that their suffering and steadfastness are not in vain, but rather lead to a glorious vindication in God's presence. This scene underscores the biblical truth that true victory is spiritual and moral, marked by unwavering allegiance to God rather than mere physical survival. It also emphasizes the centrality of worship as the highest expression of the redeemed, a foretaste of the eternal adoration that awaits those who overcome the world through faith. This passage provides immense hope, reminding us that God's plan for judgment and redemption is unfolding perfectly, culminating in the triumph of His saints and the display of His righteous character.

* [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - To the Overcomer in Ephesus")
* [Revelation 7:9-17](/revelation/7-9-17 "Revelation 7:9-17 - The Great Multitude")
* [Revelation 14:1-5](/revelation/14-1-5 "Revelation 14:1-5 - The Lamb and the 144,000")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound vision in Revelation 15:2 offers immense encouragement and a clear call to perseverance for believers in every age. It reminds us that no matter how overwhelming the forces of evil may seem, or how intense the pressures to compromise our faith, ultimate victory belongs to those who remain steadfastly loyal to Christ. The "sea of glass mingled with fire" speaks to the purity and judgment of God, assuring us that He sees our faithfulness and will justly deal with all evil. Our trials are not meaningless; they are part of a divine process that refines our faith and prepares us for a deeper, more profound worship. To stand with the harps of God signifies that our suffering for Christ culminates in eternal praise and intimate communion with Him. This vision challenges us to examine our own allegiances: Are we compromising our faith for worldly comfort or acceptance? Are we willing to pay the cost of discipleship, knowing that our ultimate vindication and reward await us in God's glorious presence?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "beasts" or pressures in my life or culture tempt me to compromise my allegiance to Christ?**
* **How does the image of standing "on the sea of glass" encourage me in my current struggles or challenges?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of worship and praise, even amidst difficult circumstances, anticipating my future role with the "harps of God"?**
* **What does "getting the victory" mean for me practically in my daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the "sea of glass" and what does it symbolize?**
Answer: The "sea of glass" is a recurring symbolic element in John's heavenly vision, first appearing in [Revelation 4:6](/revelation/4-6 "Revelation 4:6 - The Sea of Glass") before the throne of God. It is described as being "like unto crystal," signifying absolute purity, holiness, and the unblemished nature of God's presence. It also conveys a sense of stillness and tranquility, contrasting with the chaotic "sea" often used in biblical prophecy to represent turbulent nations or evil. In [Revelation 15:2](/revelation/15-2 "Revelation 15:2 - The Victorious on the Sea of Glass"), the victorious saints stand upon it, symbolizing their purification, vindication, and privileged access to God's holy presence, having been made pure through their faithfulness.

**Who are "them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name"?**
Answer: This refers to the faithful believers who endured the severe persecution and ideological pressures of the end times, specifically those orchestrated by the "beast" (a symbol of oppressive, anti-God political power, often linked to the Roman imperial cult in John's day). They "gotten the victory" not necessarily by escaping physical death, but by refusing to compromise their allegiance to God. This means they rejected worshipping the beast or his "image," refused to accept his "mark" (a sign of economic and spiritual allegiance), and did not acknowledge "the number of his name" (a cryptic identifier of the beast's power). Their victory is one of spiritual integrity and unwavering faithfulness to Christ, even at the cost of their lives ([Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")).

**What does it mean for the sea of glass to be "mingled with fire"?**
Answer: The addition of "fire" to the "sea of glass" in [Revelation 15:2](/revelation/15-2 "Revelation 15:2 - The Sea of Glass Mingled with Fire") is highly symbolic. While the "sea of glass" represents purity and God's holiness, the "fire" introduces the element of divine judgment and consuming righteousness. It can symbolize the fiery trials and tribulations through which the saints have passed, being purified by their suffering. More significantly, it sets the stage for the impending seven bowl judgments of God's wrath in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath"), indicating that the scene of heavenly triumph is directly linked to God's righteous and fiery judgment against evil. It underscores that God's holiness is both purifying for His people and destructive for His enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The triumphant scene in Revelation 15:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The victory achieved by these saints over the beast and his oppressive system is not their own inherent strength, but a direct result of Christ's decisive triumph over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness. It is the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")) who has already "conquered" and is worthy to open the scroll, thereby enabling His followers to overcome. Their ability to stand pure on the "sea of glass" is a testament to the cleansing power of His blood ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")), which purifies them and grants them access to God's holy presence. The "harps of God" they hold are for worship, and their song, as mentioned in the following verse ([Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")), is explicitly the "song of Moses and the Lamb," signifying deliverance accomplished through Christ, the greater Moses. Thus, the entire scene is a Christ-exalting display: the saints' victory is His victory imparted to them, their purity is His righteousness imputed to them, and their worship is directed to Him as the Lamb who leads them to the Father, forever reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 4:6

And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.