Revelation 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Behold {G2400}, I come {G2064} as {G5613} a thief {G2812}. Blessed {G3107} is he that watcheth {G1127}, and {G2532} keepeth {G5083} his {G846} garments {G2440}, lest {G3363} he walk {G4043} naked {G1131}, and {G2532} they see {G991} his {G846} shame {G808}.

(“Look! I am coming like a thief! How blessed are those who stay alert and keep their clothes clean, so that they won’t be walking naked and be publicly put to shame!”)

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”

(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)

Revelation 16:15 serves as a profound interjection within the dramatic sequence of the seven bowls of God's wrath, offering a crucial call to spiritual vigilance amidst the unfolding end-time judgments. This verse, spoken by Christ Himself, interrupts the narrative of the sixth bowl being poured out, which prepares the way for the great battle of Armageddon. It is a direct warning and a promise of blessing, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparedness for His unexpected return.

Context

This verse appears immediately after the pouring out of the sixth bowl of wrath, which dries up the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the kings of the East (Revelation 16:12). The following verses describe demonic spirits gathering the kings of the world to the place called Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Amidst this intense prophetic scenario, Revelation 16:15 stands out as a direct address to believers, reminding them of the Lord's imminent and unpredictable coming. It's a reminder that even in times of intense tribulation and judgment, the believer's focus must remain on readiness for Christ's return.

Key Themes

  • The Unexpected Return of Christ: The phrase "Behold, I come as a thief" echoes similar warnings given by Jesus during His earthly ministry concerning the timing of His Second Coming. It signifies that His arrival will be sudden, unannounced, and unexpected by many, making constant watchfulness essential. Other New Testament passages, like 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10, reiterate this imagery.
  • Watchfulness and Preparedness: The "blessed" (Greek: makarios) status is granted to "he that watcheth." This isn't merely passive observation but active spiritual vigilance, maintaining a state of readiness and faithfulness. It implies being alert to spiritual dangers and remaining committed to God's will. This is one of the seven beatitudes found throughout the Book of Revelation, highlighting true spiritual happiness and favor.
  • Spiritual Garments and Purity: "And keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." In biblical times, garments often symbolized one's character, righteousness, or spiritual state. To be found "naked" meant to be unprepared, spiritually exposed, and morally defiled, leading to profound shame and judgment. This imagery connects to other warnings about the need for 'white raiment' as a symbol of righteousness and purity, particularly in the context of the church in Laodicea. Believers are called to guard their spiritual integrity, their faith, and their works, ensuring they are not found lacking when the Lord appears. This spiritual clothing is often understood as the righteousness of Christ or the righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "thief" (kleptēs) strongly conveys the idea of an unexpected and unannounced arrival, not necessarily with negative intent towards the faithful, but emphasizing the element of surprise. The term "garments" (himatia or stolē) in this context refers to outer clothing, which was essential for covering and dignity. To lose or soil one's garments, especially in a public setting like a city watchman or priest (who might be stripped of their clothes if found sleeping on duty), would bring immense public shame and disgrace (aschēmosynē).

Practical Application

Revelation 16:15 transcends its immediate prophetic context to offer a timeless call to believers across all generations. It urges us to live in constant awareness of Christ's potential return, not with fear, but with hopeful anticipation and diligent spiritual maintenance. It challenges us to:

  • Live with Eternal Perspective: Prioritize spiritual values over temporal concerns, recognizing that earthly achievements are fleeting.
  • Maintain Spiritual Purity: Guard against sin and compromise that could stain our "garments" or diminish our spiritual readiness. This involves regular confession, repentance, and seeking God's righteousness.
  • Be Actively Engaged in Faith: "Watching" means being alert to God's will, serving Him faithfully, and living out our calling. It's not passive waiting but active obedience.
  • Find Blessing in Vigilance: The verse promises a blessing to those who are watchful and prepared. This blessing implies peace, assurance, and ultimately, a joyful welcome into the Lord's presence without shame.

This powerful interjection in Revelation reminds us that even as world events unfold, our ultimate hope and responsibility lie in our personal relationship with Christ and our readiness for His glorious, yet sudden, return.

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.

  • Matthew 24:42

    Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

  • Matthew 24:43

    But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • Revelation 3:18

    I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • Revelation 3:3

    Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
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