Revelation 15:5

KJV

¶ And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} that {G5023} I looked {G1492}, and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the temple {G3485} of the tabernacle {G4633} of the testimony {G3142} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} was opened {G455}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After this I looked, and the sanctuary (that is, the Tent of Witness in heaven) was opened,

Berean Standard Bible

After this I looked, and the temple—the tabernacle of the Testimony—was opened in heaven.

American Standard Version

And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 15:5 presents a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, immediately preceding the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath. John observes the opening of "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven," a profound image signifying the divine authorization and holy origin of the impending judgments. This revelation of God's innermost sanctuary underscores the solemn, righteous, and covenantal basis for the final display of His justice against a rebellious world, transitioning the narrative from the worship of the victorious saints to the execution of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic transition point within the book of Revelation. It follows the triumphant scene of the saints who have conquered the beast, standing on the sea of glass and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:1-4). Their worship celebrates God's righteous acts and imminent judgments. The opening of the heavenly temple in [Revelation 15:5](/revelation/15-5 "Revelation 15:5 - The Heavenly Temple Opens") immediately precedes the emergence of the seven angels tasked with pouring out the seven bowls of God's wrath, detailed in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath"). This sequence emphasizes that the judgments are not random or arbitrary, but proceed directly from the holy presence of God, signifying their divine origin, authority, and covenantal basis. It sets the stage for the climax of divine retribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in [Revelation 15:5](/revelation/15-5 "Revelation 15:5 - The Heavenly Temple Opens") draws heavily from Old Testament concepts of the Tabernacle and Temple, which were central to Israelite worship and their understanding of God's presence. The "tabernacle of the testimony" specifically refers to the wilderness Tabernacle, particularly its innermost chamber, the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark of the Covenant containing the tablets of the Law—the "testimony" of God's covenant with Israel (e.g., [Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark")). This earthly sanctuary was understood to be a copy or shadow of a greater, heavenly reality (as described in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Pattern")). John's vision taps into this deeply ingrained understanding, portraying the heavenly archetype as the source of divine action. The act of the temple being "opened" would have conveyed a sense of momentous revelation and the unleashing of divine power, similar to how the glory of God filled the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - Glory Fills the Tabernacle")) or Solomon's Temple (e.g., [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - Glory Fills the Temple")), but here, it signals the outflow of judgment rather than indwelling presence.

* **Key Themes:** The opening of the heavenly temple in [Revelation 15:5](/revelation/15-5 "Revelation 15:5 - The Heavenly Temple Opens") contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. The judgments are not chaotic but are meticulously orchestrated from God's holy dwelling place, demonstrating His absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. Secondly, it highlights the **Heavenly Origin of Judgment**, emphasizing that God's wrath is not arbitrary but proceeds from His very presence, making it inescapable and divinely authorized. This links to the concept of God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the "tabernacle of the testimony" signifies that these judgments are rooted in God's unchanging law and His covenant promises, which include both blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion. Finally, the scene underscores the **Imminence of God's Wrath**, serving as a dramatic signal that the time for final, unmixed judgment has arrived, setting the stage for the outpouring of the seven bowls in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temple (Greek, _naós'_):** This term refers specifically to the inner sanctuary of a temple, the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was believed to dwell. Unlike _hieron_ (G2411), which denotes the entire temple complex, _naós_ emphasizes the most sacred, innermost part. Its use here signifies that the judgments proceed from the very core of God's holy being and His immediate presence.
* **Tabernacle (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** Recalling the portable tent of meeting in the wilderness, this word evokes the temporary dwelling place of God among His people. It connects the heavenly reality to its earthly shadow, emphasizing God's intimate, yet holy, presence. The combination with "temple" suggests a comprehensive divine dwelling, encompassing both the ancient, mobile presence and the ultimate, fixed sanctuary.
* **Testimony (Greek, _martýrion'_):** This term signifies a witness or evidence. In the Old Testament, it specifically referred to the tablets of the Law (the Decalogue) housed within the Ark of the Covenant, which was placed in the "Tabernacle of the Testimony" (e.g., [Numbers 1:50](/numbers/1-50 "Numbers 1:50 - The Tabernacle of the Testimony")). Its inclusion here profoundly links the impending judgments to God's unchanging law, His covenant, and His righteous character. The judgments are not arbitrary but are a consequence of humanity's failure to adhere to God's revealed will.
* **Opened (Greek, _anoígō'_):** This verb means "to open up" literally or figuratively. In this context, it is a dramatic action signifying revelation, access, and the unleashing of what was previously contained or hidden. The opening of this most sacred space indicates that the time for God's hidden purposes to be revealed and His final judgments to be executed has arrived.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after that I looked, and, behold":** This phrase marks a new phase in John's vision, signaling a significant shift in the narrative. "I looked" (G1492, _eídō_) and "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) are common apocalyptic expressions that draw the reader's attention to a new, awe-inspiring, and divinely revealed sight. It emphasizes the direct, eyewitness nature of John's prophetic experience.
* **"the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony":** This is a highly significant and layered phrase. "Temple" (_naós_) refers to the inner sanctuary, the very dwelling place of God. "Tabernacle" (_skēnḗ_) connects to the Old Testament mobile sanctuary, emphasizing God's presence among His people. "Testimony" (_martýrion_) points to the covenant law contained within the Ark. The combination signifies God's holy dwelling where His righteous character and covenantal demands reside, underscoring that the judgments emanate from the very heart of His righteous being and His unchanging law.
* **"in heaven was opened":** This clause specifies the location of this divine sanctuary as being in the heavenly realm, the true, archetypal dwelling of God, of which earthly temples were mere copies. The act of it being "opened" (G455, _anoígō_) is crucial. It implies that what was previously inaccessible or concealed is now revealed, and that divine power and judgment are about to be unleashed. It is a dramatic signal that the time for the execution of God's final, righteous wrath has arrived.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 15:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven" serving as a rich composite symbol. The "temple" symbolizes God's holy presence and dwelling, while the "tabernacle of the testimony" specifically recalls the Old Testament Tabernacle's Holy of Holies, containing the Ark of the Covenant and the Law. This combination symbolizes God's covenantal faithfulness and the righteous basis of His judgments, rooted in His unchanging law. The act of it being "opened" is a powerful piece of **Dramatic Irony** or **Foreshadowing**, as it signals not a welcoming access for worship (as one might expect from an opened sanctuary) but the imminent outpouring of divine wrath. This unexpected revelation builds **Suspense**, preparing the reader for the severe judgments that follow in the next chapter. The phrase itself is a form of **Hebraism** or **Biblical Allusion**, drawing deeply on Old Testament imagery and theological concepts to convey its profound meaning, making the heavenly reality intelligible through familiar earthly types.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The opening of the heavenly temple in Revelation 15:5 is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's judgment. It asserts that divine wrath is not arbitrary or capricious, but is meticulously executed from the very heart of God's holiness and righteousness. The "tabernacle of the testimony" emphasizes that these judgments are rooted in God's unchanging covenant and His revealed law, underscoring His justice and faithfulness. This scene serves as a powerful reminder that while God is patient and merciful, His patience has a limit, and His justice will ultimately prevail. The judgments are not merely punitive but are a necessary demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, bringing about the ultimate vindication of His character and His people.

* [Revelation 11:19](/revelation/11-19 "Revelation 11:19 - The Temple of God Opened in Heaven")
* [Hebrews 9:1-12](/hebrews/9-1-12 "Hebrews 9:1-12 - Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries")
* [Psalm 7:11-13](/psalms/7-11-13 "Psalm 7:11-13 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 15:5 calls believers to a profound reverence for God's holiness and a renewed understanding of His justice. In a world that often dismisses or redefines sin, this verse reminds us that God's standards are immutable, and His law stands as a "testimony" against all unrighteousness. The fact that judgment proceeds from the "temple of the tabernacle of the testimony" means it is not a random act but a righteous, covenantal response to human rebellion. For the believer, this should cultivate both a holy fear of God and an unshakable confidence in His ultimate triumph over evil. It assures us that all suffering and injustice will one day be rectified by a perfectly just God. For those who do not yet know Christ, it serves as a solemn warning: God's patience is not endless, and His justice will be fully revealed. This vision should compel us to live lives of repentance, faith, and obedience, understanding that we stand before a holy God whose judgments are true and righteous altogether.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "temple of the tabernacle of the testimony" deepen your understanding of the source and nature of God's judgments?**
* **What does the opening of this heavenly sanctuary reveal about God's character, particularly His holiness and justice?**
* **How should the imminence of God's righteous judgment influence your daily life, priorities, and witness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony"?**

Answer: This phrase is deeply significant, combining three key Old Testament concepts to describe God's heavenly dwelling. The "temple" (Greek _naós_) refers to the inner sanctuary, the most holy place where God's presence resides. The "tabernacle" (Greek _skēnḗ_) recalls the portable tent of meeting from the wilderness, signifying God's dwelling among His people. The "testimony" (Greek _martýrion_) specifically refers to the tablets of the Law housed in the Ark of the Covenant, which was within the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies (e.g., [Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark")). Together, these terms emphasize that the judgments proceeding from this heavenly sanctuary are not arbitrary but are rooted in God's holy character, His covenant faithfulness, and His unchanging divine law. It underscores that God's justice is righteous and based on His revealed will.

**Has this heavenly temple been mentioned before in Revelation?**

Answer: Yes, the heavenly temple is mentioned earlier in Revelation, notably in [Revelation 11:19](/revelation/11-19 "Revelation 11:19 - The Temple of God Opened in Heaven") where "the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple." This earlier instance also signals a moment of divine revelation and impending judgment, specifically associated with the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The repeated imagery in [Revelation 15:5](/revelation/15-5 "Revelation 15:5 - The Heavenly Temple Opens") reinforces the idea that God's judgments are divinely ordained and proceed from His holy presence, building towards the final outpouring of wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 15:5 focuses on the opening of the heavenly temple as the source of God's righteous judgments, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus Himself embodies the ultimate "temple," "tabernacle," and "testimony." The Incarnation of Christ, where God "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), reveals Him as the truest dwelling place of God, making God's presence accessible in a way the earthly Tabernacle or Temple never could. Furthermore, Jesus is the living "testimony" of God's character and will, perfectly fulfilling the Law and embodying divine righteousness. His sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of obedience and justice, satisfied the demands of God's holy law, which the "testimony" represents. Thus, even as judgment proceeds from the heavenly sanctuary, it is ultimately through Christ that both judgment and salvation are mediated. He is the one who opens the way to the Father, and He is also the one through whom all things are judged ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). The opening of the heavenly temple in [Revelation 15:5](/revelation/15-5 "Revelation 15:5 - The Heavenly Temple Opens"), therefore, points to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in Christ's final victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where there will be no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Numbers 1:50

But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that [belong] to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.

Matthew 27:51

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Numbers 1:53

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

Exodus 38:21

¶ This is the sum of the tabernacle, [even] of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, [for] the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

Exodus 25:21

And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.