Revelation 16:7

KJV

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I heard {G191} another {G243} out of {G1537} the altar {G2379} say {G3004}, Even so {G3483}, Lord {G2962} God {G2316} Almighty {G3841}, true {G228} and {G2532} righteous {G1342} are thy {G4675} judgments {G2920}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I heard the altar say,

“Yes, Adonai, God of heaven’s armies,
your judgments are true and just!”

Berean Standard Bible

And I heard the altar reply: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgments.”

American Standard Version

And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:7 powerfully affirms God's inherent justice and truthfulness amidst the severe outpouring of the third bowl judgment. A voice emanating from the altar unequivocally declares that the divine judgments, though devastating, are perfectly aligned with the righteous and omnipotent character of the Lord God Almighty. This declaration serves as a profound theological statement, ensuring that even in the face of overwhelming wrath, God's actions are never arbitrary but are a just and holy response to human rebellion and the persecution of His saints.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic unfolding of the seven bowl judgments in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath"), which represent the final and most intense expressions of God's wrath upon the earth. Specifically, it immediately follows the third bowl judgment, where the angel pours out his bowl upon the rivers and springs, turning them into blood. This act of judgment is explicitly justified in [Revelation 16:6](/revelation/16-6 "Revelation 16:6 - Justification for the Blood Judgment") as a righteous recompense for those who "shed the blood of saints and prophets." The voice from the altar in verse 7 serves as a divine echo and affirmation of this justification, emphasizing the moral integrity behind God's seemingly harsh actions and reinforcing the theme of divine retribution that permeates this chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, who demanded emperor worship. This context of suffering and martyrdom is crucial for understanding the book's themes of divine judgment and ultimate vindication. The concept of an "altar" in a Jewish-Christian context would immediately evoke images of sacrifice, atonement, and also the place where the blood of martyrs was symbolically shed, as seen in [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "Revelation 6:9-10 - The Souls Under the Altar"). The "Lord God Almighty" (Greek: _Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokrator_) is a title that would have resonated deeply with a persecuted audience, assuring them of God's absolute sovereignty and power over all earthly authorities, including the oppressive Roman Empire.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 16:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting that God's judgments, no matter how severe, are always "true and righteous," reflecting His perfect character. This verse also highlights **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, underscored by the title "Lord God Almighty," assuring believers that God is in complete control of history and the execution of His purposes, even amidst chaos. Furthermore, the voice "out of the altar" subtly reinforces the theme of **Vindication for the Martyrs**, suggesting that these judgments are a direct response to the cries for justice from those who suffered for their faith, as previously depicted in [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "Revelation 6:9-10 - The Cry of the Martyrs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Greek, _thysiastḗrion'_):** This term refers to "a place of sacrifice," whether literal or figurative. In Revelation, the altar often symbolizes the place of prayer and sacrifice, particularly the prayers of the saints and the souls of martyrs crying out for justice, as seen in [Revelation 6:9](/revelation/6-9 "Revelation 6:9 - Souls Under the Altar"). The voice emanating "out of the altar" therefore carries immense symbolic weight, suggesting that the declaration of God's righteousness is either from an angel associated with the altar, or even more powerfully, from the collective voice of the martyred saints themselves, whose prayers for justice are now being answered through these judgments.
* **Almighty (Greek, _pantokrátōr'_):** This powerful title, meaning "the all-ruling" or "Omnipotent," is frequently used in Revelation to describe God as the absolute and universal sovereign. It emphasizes His supreme power and authority over all creation, history, and the unfolding of divine judgment. The declaration that God's judgments are "true and righteous" is thus grounded in the unchallengeable authority and boundless power of the One who is truly "Almighty."
* **Righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** Derived from _dikē_ (justice), this word signifies that which is "equitable in character or act," implying innocence and holiness. When applied to God's judgments, it asserts that His actions are in perfect conformity with His holy nature and moral law. God's judgments are not arbitrary acts of power but are morally upright, just, and deserved, reflecting His inherent righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard another out of the altar say":** John, the visionary, hears a distinct voice. The identity of "another" is not explicitly stated but is clearly a divine or divinely appointed being. The crucial element is the source: "out of the altar." This location is highly symbolic, linking the pronouncement directly to the prayers of the saints and the cries for justice from the martyred souls (cf. [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "Revelation 6:9-10 - The Cry of the Martyrs")). The voice from the altar serves as a powerful endorsement of God's actions, suggesting that the judgments are a direct answer to the pleas of those who suffered for His name.
* **"Even so, Lord God Almighty":** The phrase "Even so" (Greek: _naí_) is a strong affirmation, meaning "yes" or "surely." It signals complete agreement with the preceding divine judgments. The address "Lord God Almighty" is a profound theological statement, recognizing God's supreme authority (_Lord_), His divine nature (_God_), and His absolute power (_Almighty_). This address underscores the unchallengeable nature of the One whose judgments are being affirmed.
* **"true and righteous are thy judgments":** This is the core declaration of the verse. The judgments are affirmed as "true" (Greek: _alēthinós_), meaning authentic, genuine, and in accordance with reality, and "righteous" (Greek: _díkaios_), meaning just, equitable, and morally upright. This dual affirmation emphasizes that God's judgments are not only real and effective but also perfectly just and morally defensible, reflecting His holy character and His unwavering commitment to justice.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is central, particularly with the "altar" as the source of the voice. The altar, a recurring symbol in Revelation, represents not only worship and sacrifice but also the place where the blood of martyrs cries out for justice, as seen in [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "Revelation 6:9-10 - The Souls Under the Altar"). By having the affirmation come "out of the altar," the text symbolically links the severe judgments directly to the vindication of God's suffering people. This also hints at **Personification**, as an inanimate object (the altar) appears to speak, though it's more likely an angelic voice or the collective voice of the martyrs associated with it. The declaration itself is a strong **Affirmation** and **Declaration**, using emphatic language ("Even so") to underscore the absolute truth and justice of God's actions. This serves as a form of **Theophany**, a revelation of God's character, specifically His righteousness and omnipotence, in the midst of His wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:7 stands as a cornerstone for understanding God's character, particularly His justice, within the broader biblical narrative. It asserts that divine judgment is not capricious or arbitrary but is an intrinsic expression of God's holy nature. This truth provides comfort to the persecuted, assuring them that their suffering is seen and will be avenged, and it serves as a solemn warning to the unrepentant, highlighting the certainty and righteousness of divine retribution. The unwavering declaration that God's judgments are "true and righteous" reinforces the biblical teaching that God is always faithful to His character, even when His actions are severe, and that His ultimate aim is to bring about perfect justice and establish His righteous kingdom.

* [Revelation 16:5-6](/revelation/16-5-6 "The Angel of the Waters Affirms God's Justice")
* [Psalm 19:9](/psalms/19-9 "The Judgments of the Lord are True and Righteous")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "God's Righteous Judgment and Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:7 offers a profound invitation to trust in the unwavering character of God, even when His ways seem mysterious or severe. In a world often characterized by injustice, where the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer, this verse provides a powerful anchor: God is ultimately just, and His judgments are always true and righteous. For the believer, this truth brings immense comfort, assuring us that God sees every wrong, hears every cry, and will ultimately set all things right. It calls us to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that His plans are perfect, His character is flawless, and His justice will prevail. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of accountability before a holy God. Therefore, our response should be one of humble submission, seeking to live in alignment with His righteous will, and extending grace and justice to others, reflecting the very character of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the affirmation of God's "true and righteous judgments" in this verse challenge or comfort your understanding of divine wrath?**
* **What does the voice coming "out of the altar" signify about the nature of God's justice in response to human suffering and sin?**
* **In what ways can understanding God as "Lord God Almighty" influence your trust in His sovereignty during times of personal or global injustice?**

### FAQ
**Why does the voice come "out of the altar" in Revelation 16:7?**

Answer: The voice coming "out of the altar" is highly symbolic and carries significant theological weight within the book of Revelation. In Revelation, the altar is frequently associated with the prayers of the saints and, specifically, with the souls of martyrs who have been slain for their faith, as seen in [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "The Souls Under the Altar"). These souls are depicted as crying out to God, asking, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Therefore, the voice from the altar in [Revelation 16:7](/revelation/16-7 "The Altar's Affirmation") serves as a powerful divine affirmation that the severe bowl judgments being poured out are a direct and righteous answer to the prayers and cries for justice from those who have suffered persecution and martyrdom for Christ's sake. It signifies that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a just and holy response to the shedding of innocent blood and the rebellion of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 16:7 directly affirms the Father's righteous judgments, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Lamb who was slain, Christ is the very embodiment of God's justice and mercy. He is the one through whom all judgment is executed, for the Father "has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man" ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Christ's Authority to Judge")). The "true and righteous judgments" declared from the altar are precisely those that Christ, as the appointed Judge, will bring to completion ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Judge")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's righteousness, allowing Him to be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness in Justification")). Thus, the judgments described in Revelation are not merely acts of divine retribution but are part of God's grand redemptive plan, culminating in the establishment of Christ's righteous kingdom, where He rules as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ, King of Kings")). In Christ, God's justice is perfectly satisfied, and His righteousness is fully revealed, both in judgment and in salvation.

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 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Revelation 6:9

¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

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.

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Revelation 8:5

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

Isaiah 6:6

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: