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.
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}.
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.
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,
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.
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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.
Context
Revelation chapter 15 serves as an interlude between the seven trumpets and the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath. This verse, Revelation 15:2, introduces a scene of triumph and worship in heaven, offering a glimpse of the redeemed before the final judgments unfold. It contrasts sharply with the earthly tribulation described in previous chapters, particularly the intense persecution orchestrated by the beast and his followers.
The Sea of Glass Mingled with Fire
The imagery of the "sea of glass" first appears in Revelation 4:6, where it is described as being "like unto crystal" before the throne of God, signifying purity, holiness, and the absolute tranquility of God's presence. Here, it is "mingled with fire." This addition of fire likely symbolizes the divine judgment and wrath that is about to be unleashed, yet also the purifying and consuming holiness of God. It sets the stage for the impending judgments while affirming God's righteous character.
The Victorious Saints
This verse highlights "them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." These are the faithful believers who endured the severe persecution of the end times, refusing to compromise their allegiance to God by accepting the mark of the beast or worshipping his image, even at the cost of their lives. Their standing "on the sea of glass" signifies their triumph, their purity, and their privileged position in God's presence, having been tested and proven faithful. It is a powerful scene of ultimate vindication for those who suffered for Christ.
Harps of God and Worship
The possession of "the harps of God" by these victorious saints is a clear symbol of worship and praise. Harps are frequently associated with heavenly worship in Revelation, as seen in Revelation 5:8 and Revelation 14:2. It indicates that their victory is not merely escape from suffering, but a glorious entrance into eternal worship and communion with God. Their song, mentioned in the following verse, is the song of Moses and the Lamb, further emphasizing their deliverance and dedication.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "gotten the victory" comes from the Greek word nikaō (νικάω), meaning "to conquer," "to overcome," or "to prevail." This term is used repeatedly in Revelation to describe the faithfulness of believers who overcome the world, sin, and persecution through their faith in Christ (e.g., Revelation 2:7).
Practical Application
This verse offers immense encouragement to believers today. It assures us that no matter how intense the spiritual battles or worldly pressures, ultimate victory belongs to those who remain faithful to Christ. It reminds us that our trials are not meaningless but are part of a divine process that leads to purity and a deeper capacity for worship. The scene in heaven serves as a powerful reminder of the glorious future awaiting those who choose to stand firm for God, refusing to compromise their faith, and eagerly anticipating the day they will stand in triumph before Him, offering eternal praise.