Revelation 15:8

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

And {G2532} the temple {G3485} was filled {G1072} with smoke {G2586} from {G1537} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} from {G1537} his {G846} power {G1411}; and {G2532} no man {G3762} was able {G1410} to enter {G1525} into {G1519} the temple {G3485}, till {G891} the seven {G2033} plagues {G4127} of the seven {G2033} angels {G32} were fulfilled {G5055}.

Then the sanctuary was filled with smoke from God’s Sh’khinah, that is, from his power; and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels had accomplished their purpose.

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and none was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels should be finished.

Revelation 15:8 describes a profound moment in John's vision of the end times, immediately preceding the pouring out of the seven last plagues. This verse paints a powerful picture of God's overwhelming holiness and sovereign power as His final judgments are about to commence.

Context

This verse follows the vision of the "sea of glass mingled with fire" and the triumphant song of those who had overcome the Beast (Revelation 15:2-4). It sets the stage for the seven angels to receive the bowls of God's wrath, detailed in Revelation chapter 16. The imagery of the temple filled with smoke harks back to Old Testament manifestations of God's presence in the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, such as when the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35 or the Temple at its dedication in 1 Kings 8:10-11. This smoke, often a cloud or glory, signified God's majestic presence, His holiness, and often His impending judgment.

Key Themes

  • God's Unapproachable Holiness and Power: The smoke filling the temple from "the glory of God, and from his power" emphasizes His transcendent nature. His presence is so consuming that no one can enter, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and purity. This is not merely a comforting presence, but one that evokes awe and, in this context, trepidation.
  • The Inevitability of Divine Judgment: The inability to enter the temple signifies a cessation of intercession. It implies that the time for mercy and delay is over, and the period for God's righteous judgment has fully arrived. The "seven plagues" are the culmination of His wrath against human rebellion, and nothing can halt their execution.
  • Fulfillment of God's Plan: The phrase "till the seven plagues... were fulfilled" underscores God's meticulous and sovereign control over history and judgment. His plans are carried out precisely and completely, leaving no room for human intervention or alteration.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glory" is doxa (δόξα), which conveys the idea of divine splendor, majesty, and reputation. "Power" is dynamis (δύναμις), indicating inherent strength, might, and ability. The combination of these two terms emphasizes the overwhelming and irresistible nature of God's presence. The "smoke" (καπνός, kapnos) here is a visible manifestation of His glory, often associated with judgment and theophany, similar to the smoke on Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law (Exodus 19:18).

Practical Application

Revelation 15:8 serves as a stark reminder of God's ultimate authority and the seriousness of His judgment. For believers, it reinforces the understanding that God is holy and just, and that His promises, both of salvation and judgment, will be perfectly fulfilled. It encourages reverence and a sober view of sin, knowing that there will be a time when God's patience gives way to righteous wrath. For those who have not yet submitted to Christ, it serves as a powerful call to repentance, emphasizing that there will be a point when the door to grace and intercession is closed, and only judgment remains. This verse underscores the urgency of responding to the Gospel message today.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 6:4

    And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

  • 1 Kings 8:10

    And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place], that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,

  • 1 Kings 8:11

    So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

  • Exodus 40:34

    ¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

  • Exodus 40:35

    And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:13

    It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

  • 2 Chronicles 5:14

    So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

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