Revelation 15:4

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.

Who {G5101} shall {G5399} not {G3364} fear {G5399} thee {G4571}, O Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} glorify {G1392} thy {G4675} name {G3686}? for {G3754} thou only {G3441} art holy {G3741}: for {G3754} all {G3956} nations {G1484} shall come {G2240} and {G2532} worship {G4352} before {G1799} thee {G4675}; for {G3754} thy {G4675} judgments {G1345} are made manifest {G5319}.

Adonai, who will not fear and glorify your name?
because you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”

Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest.

Commentary

Context

Revelation 15:4 is part of a magnificent heavenly scene in the Book of Revelation, immediately preceding the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath upon the earth. This verse is a line from the "Song of Moses and the Lamb," sung by those who have triumphed over the Beast and his image, standing on the sea of glass mingled with fire (Revelation 15:2). It serves as a powerful declaration of God's righteous character and His impending universal vindication, setting the stage for the intense judgments that follow. The song expresses reverence and awe for the Almighty God, whose holiness and justice are about to be fully revealed to all nations.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Holiness: The core assertion, "Thou only art holy," emphasizes God's unique, set-apart nature, His moral perfection, and His complete purity. This holiness is the fundamental attribute that inspires true reverence and worship. It distinguishes Him from all creation and human rulers.
  • Reverential Fear and Glorification: The rhetorical question, "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?" implies that all rational beings *should* and *will* ultimately acknowledge God's supremacy. This "fear" is not terror but a profound, awe-filled respect and submission to His majesty, leading to the glorification (praise and honor) of His name.
  • Universal Worship and Acknowledgment: The prophecy "all nations shall come and worship before thee" speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the universal recognition of His sovereignty. Despite global rebellion and idolatry, a future time is foretold when every people, tribe, and tongue will bow before Him. This aligns with other prophetic visions of all nations worshiping God.
  • Manifestation of God's Judgments: The reason for this universal worship and fear is that "thy judgments are made manifest." God's righteous decrees and acts of justice are not hidden but openly displayed, proving His righteousness and vindicating His character before the world. These judgments serve to reveal His truth and bring about His perfect will.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Holy" (Greek: hagios): This term signifies being set apart, sacred, and pure. When applied to God, it speaks of His transcendent moral perfection and His distinctness from all that is created or sinful. It is the bedrock of His being.
  • "Fear" (Greek: phobeo): In this context, phobeo does not denote terror or fright but a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God's power, authority, and majesty. It is the proper response of creation to the Creator, often described as the beginning of wisdom.
  • "Glorify" (Greek: doxazo): To glorify God means to acknowledge His inherent glory, to give Him honor, praise, and adoration. It involves recognizing and declaring His divine attributes and mighty acts.
  • "Judgments" (Greek: dikaioma): Refers to righteous acts, just decrees, or ordinances. In Revelation, it often highlights God's righteous administration of justice, His vindication of His people, and the execution of His divine will.

Practical Application

Revelation 15:4 calls believers to a deeper understanding and response to God's character. It reminds us that:

  • Worship is Rooted in Holiness: Our worship should be fueled by an awe-filled recognition of God's unique holiness and His absolute moral perfection. True worship flows from understanding who God truly is, not just what He does.
  • God's Justice Will Prevail: In a world where evil often seems to triumph, this verse offers profound assurance that God's judgments will ultimately be revealed and His justice will be made manifest. This provides hope and comfort to those who suffer for righteousness.
  • Universal Acknowledgment is Coming: The prophecy of "all nations" worshiping God gives us a glimpse into the future and motivates us to participate in His mission now, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately encompass the entire earth. It strengthens our faith in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
  • Live in Reverential Awe: Cultivating a reverential "fear of the Lord" means living in humble submission to His will, trusting His wisdom, and obeying His commands, knowing that He alone is worthy of all praise and honor.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 86:9 (54 votes)

    All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

  • Malachi 1:11 (37 votes)

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 10:7 (37 votes)

    Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.

  • Psalms 22:27 (31 votes)

    All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

  • Revelation 11:15 (24 votes)

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 14:7 (21 votes)

    Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

  • Isaiah 66:22 (20 votes)

    For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.