Revelation 16:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(“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!”)

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:15 is a profound and urgent interjection from Christ Himself, strategically placed amidst the dramatic outpouring of the sixth bowl of God's wrath, just before the kings of the earth gather for Armageddon. This verse serves as a solemn warning and a divine beatitude, underscoring the critical importance of spiritual vigilance and preparedness for the Lord's sudden and unexpected return, lest believers be found spiritually exposed and shamed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears as a striking parenthetical statement within the narrative of the sixth bowl judgment in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath"). Immediately preceding it, [Revelation 16:12](/revelation/16-12 "Revelation 16:12 - The Drying of the Euphrates") describes the drying of the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the "kings from the East." Following this interjection, [Revelation 16:13-14](/revelation/16-13-14 "Revelation 16:13-14 - Demonic Spirits Gather Kings") depicts demonic spirits gathering the kings of the whole world to the place called Armageddon. The insertion of Christ's personal warning in [Revelation 16:15](/revelation/16-15 "Revelation 16:15 - Christ's Warning to Be Watchful") at such a climactic point emphasizes that even amidst the most intense eschatological events, the individual believer's spiritual state and readiness for Christ's return remain paramount. It shifts the focus momentarily from global judgments to personal accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "thief" coming unexpectedly was a common metaphor for a sudden, unannounced event, often with negative connotations for those unprepared, but not necessarily for the faithful. The concept of "watching" (grēgoreúō) was deeply rooted in the role of a night watchman, who had to remain awake and alert to protect a city or property. In the ancient world, garments were not merely clothing but symbols of status, identity, and honor. To be stripped or found "naked" (gymnós) in public was the ultimate disgrace and a sign of profound shame (aschēmosýnē), often associated with defeat, judgment, or moral degradation. This cultural understanding amplifies the warning: spiritual nakedness implies a loss of spiritual honor and readiness before God and others.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 16:15](/revelation/16-15 "Revelation 16:15 - Christ's Call to Vigilance") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of the **Unexpected Return of Christ**, echoing Jesus's own teachings on His Second Coming as seen in [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming") and further elaborated in [1 Thessalonians 5:2-4](/1_thessalonians/5-2-4 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 - The Day of the Lord as a Thief"). Secondly, it highlights the crucial theme of **Spiritual Vigilance and Preparedness**, emphasizing that true blessedness (makários) is found in active watchfulness and faithfulness, not passive waiting. This ties into the broader call for endurance and steadfastness throughout the tribulation. Finally, the imagery of "keeping garments" underscores the theme of **Spiritual Purity and Righteousness**, a recurring motif in Revelation, particularly in the letters to the churches (e.g., [Revelation 3:4-5](/revelation/3-4-5 "Revelation 3:4-5 - White Garments for the Faithful in Sardis") and [Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Counsel to Buy White Garments")), where white robes symbolize the righteous deeds of the saints and the imputed righteousness of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This is an interjection used to call attention, an imperative meaning "lo!" or "see!" Its placement at the beginning of the verse serves to immediately arrest the reader's attention, signaling a statement of profound importance and urgency directly from the Lord. It demands a response of attentiveness and readiness.
* **thief (Greek, _kléptēs'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to steal," this noun refers to one who takes secretly or by stealth. In this context, it emphasizes the sudden, unannounced, and unexpected nature of Christ's coming, rather than implying any malicious intent towards His faithful followers. It highlights the element of surprise for those who are not prepared.
* **watcheth (Greek, _grēgoreúō'_):** From a root meaning "to keep awake," this verb signifies active vigilance, alertness, and wakefulness, both literally and figuratively. It implies a state of spiritual readiness, a conscious effort to remain alert to the Lord's will and the signs of His coming, rather than being spiritually complacent or asleep.
* **garments (Greek, _himátion'_):** This term refers to an outer dress or cloak, a piece of apparel essential for covering and maintaining dignity in the ancient world. Symbolically, "garments" here represent one's spiritual state, character, or righteous deeds. To "keep" them implies guarding one's spiritual integrity, purity, and faithfulness, ensuring they are not soiled or lost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I come as a thief."**: This opening clause is a direct, emphatic declaration from Jesus Christ. The "behold" (idoú) draws immediate attention to the statement's gravity. The simile "as a thief" underscores the sudden, unexpected, and unannounced nature of His return. For the unprepared, it will be a surprise that catches them off guard, but for the watchful, it is a known reality to anticipate.
* **"Blessed is he that watcheth,"**: This marks the beginning of one of the seven beatitudes found in the Book of Revelation, promising divine favor and happiness (makários) to the one who practices spiritual vigilance (grēgoreúō). "Watching" implies an active state of alertness, preparedness, and faithfulness, maintaining a constant readiness for the Lord's appearing. It is not passive observation but diligent spiritual engagement.
* **"and keepeth his garments,"**: This phrase specifies the nature of the watchfulness. "Keeping his garments" (tēréō himátion) refers to actively preserving one's spiritual integrity, purity, and righteous standing. In a culture where garments symbolized honor and status, this means guarding against spiritual defilement, sin, and compromise that could stain or remove one's spiritual covering. It signifies living a life consistent with one's faith.
* **"lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."**: This final clause states the dire consequence of failing to watch and keep one's garments. To "walk naked" (peripatéō gymnós) signifies spiritual exposure, vulnerability, and a lack of preparedness. "Nakedness" (gymnós) in this context implies a state of spiritual destitution or moral defilement. The phrase "and they see his shame" (blépō aschēmosýnē) highlights the public disgrace and judgment that would accompany such spiritual unreadiness, revealing a lack of righteousness or faithfulness before God and the heavenly host.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:15 is rich with literary devices that amplify its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Simile**, "I come as a thief," which vividly portrays the sudden and unexpected nature of Christ's return, demanding constant vigilance. This simile is immediately followed by powerful **Symbolism**: "garments" represent one's spiritual righteousness, character, or deeds, while "nakedness" symbolizes spiritual unpreparedness, defilement, and vulnerability. The consequence, "shame," is a potent **Metonymy** for the public disgrace and judgment that results from spiritual unreadiness. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Interruption** or **Parenthesis**, breaking the narrative flow of the bowl judgments to deliver a direct, personal appeal from Christ, highlighting the individual's responsibility amidst cosmic events. Furthermore, it is structured as a **Beatitude**, declaring a blessing upon those who heed the warning, contrasting sharply with the judgments unfolding around it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:15 serves as a timeless call to spiritual readiness, transcending its immediate eschatological context to apply to believers in every age. The warning of Christ's unexpected return as a "thief" is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament, not meant to instill fear in the faithful, but to cultivate a lifestyle of active expectation and holiness. The "garments" symbolize the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers and the righteous deeds they perform through the Spirit, which are essential for standing blameless before God. To "keep" these garments implies a diligent pursuit of sanctification, guarding one's faith and conduct against the defilement of the world, ensuring that one's spiritual state aligns with God's holy standards. This verse emphasizes that true blessedness is found not in avoiding tribulation, but in maintaining spiritual integrity and vigilance through it.

* [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:1-6](/1_thessalonians/5-1-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")
* [Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Counsel to Buy White Garments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:15 calls every believer to a profound introspection regarding their spiritual state and readiness. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our spiritual walk over the fleeting concerns of this world. The imagery of keeping one's garments compels us to actively guard our faith, integrity, and purity against the temptations and defilements that can stain our spiritual witness. This involves consistent self-examination, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to empower righteous living. "Watching" is not passive waiting but an active, vigilant engagement in God's will, serving Him faithfully, and living in a state of continuous readiness for Christ's glorious, yet sudden, return. The promised blessing for the watchful provides immense encouragement, assuring us that diligence in our spiritual walk leads to peace, assurance, and ultimately, a joyful and unashamed welcome into the Lord's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" or unprepared for Christ's return?**
* **What specific "garments" (spiritual disciplines, character traits, righteous deeds) do I need to diligently "keep" or cultivate in my daily walk?**
* **How does the unexpected nature of Christ's coming motivate me to live differently today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual vigilance and readiness?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus say "I come as a thief"?**

Answer: The phrase "I come as a thief" (Greek: _kléptēs_) is a simile that emphasizes the sudden, unexpected, and unannounced nature of Christ's return, not that He comes to steal from believers. It means His arrival will catch many by surprise, particularly those who are spiritually unprepared or complacent. This imagery is consistent throughout the New Testament, as seen in [Matthew 24:43-44](/matthew/24-43-44 "Matthew 24:43-44 - The Thief in the Night"), [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "The Day of the Lord as a Thief"), and [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief"). For believers, it's a call to constant vigilance and readiness, ensuring they are not caught off guard.

**What do "garments" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical culture, garments often symbolized one's status, character, or spiritual condition. In [Revelation 16:15](/revelation/16-15 "Revelation 16:15 - Keep Your Garments"), "garments" (Greek: _himátion_) symbolize a believer's spiritual purity, righteousness, and readiness. To "keep" one's garments means to guard one's spiritual integrity, maintain a life of holiness, and persevere in faith and good works. The opposite, to "walk naked," signifies spiritual exposure, shame, and unpreparedness, implying a lack of righteousness or a departure from faithful living. This imagery connects to other passages in Revelation, such as [Revelation 3:4-5](/revelation/3-4-5 "Revelation 3:4-5 - White Garments for the Faithful") and [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Fine Linen for the Bride"), where white robes represent the righteous deeds of the saints and the imputed righteousness of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 16:15, though a warning, is profoundly Christ-centered in its essence. The "I" who comes as a thief is Jesus Himself, the Alpha and Omega, the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Alpha and Omega") and [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Keys of Death and Hades")). The call to "watch" and "keep garments" is a call to abide in Him, for it is only through His righteousness that believers are truly clothed and prepared. Our "garments" are ultimately the righteousness of Christ, freely given to us through faith ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")), and the righteous deeds empowered by His Spirit within us ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). He is the one who provides the "white raiment" ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Counsel to Buy White Garments")) and the "fine linen, bright and clean" ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Fine Linen is the Righteous Acts of the Saints")) that protects us from shame. Thus, the blessedness promised is not earned by human effort alone, but is a divine favor bestowed upon those who, by grace through faith, remain vigilant in their walk with the Christ who both warns and provides the means for their readiness. His unexpected coming is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, bringing final judgment to the ungodly and eternal salvation to those who eagerly await Him ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Christ Will Appear a Second Time")).

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

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.