Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

And {G2532} to her {G846} was granted {G1325} that {G2443} she should be arrayed {G4016} in fine linen {G1039}, clean {G2513} and {G2532} white {G2986}: for {G1063} the fine linen {G1039} is {G2076} the righteousness {G1345} of saints {G40}.

fine linen, bright and clean
has been given her to wear.”

(“Fine linen” means the righteous deeds of God’s people.)

She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.

And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Revelation 19:8 describes the glorious attire of the Bride, the Lamb's wife, which is understood to represent the Church—all true believers in Christ. This verse immediately follows the joyous declaration of the marriage of the Lamb, setting the scene for a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy.

Context

This verse is part of a grand vision of heavenly rejoicing and divine justice. After the fall of Babylon (the symbolic representation of worldly systems opposed to God), attention shifts to the triumphant Church. The preceding verse, Revelation 19:7, announces the arrival of the Lamb's marriage and the Bride's preparation. Her readiness is manifested in her attire, which is divinely provided.

Key Themes

  • The Church as the Bride of Christ: This imagery emphasizes the intimate, covenantal relationship between Christ and His redeemed people. The Church is not merely an organization but a beloved spouse, destined for eternal union with the Lamb.
  • Divinely Granted Righteousness: The phrase "to her was granted" highlights that the fine linen, symbolizing righteousness, is a gift from God, not something earned by human merit. It is the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, often referred to as imputed righteousness. This contrasts sharply with any self-righteousness or works-based salvation.
  • Purity and Holiness: The description "clean and white" signifies absolute purity and moral blamelessness. This spiritual purity is essential for the Bride to stand before a holy God and participate in the heavenly wedding feast.
  • Preparation for Eternity: The act of being "arrayed" speaks to the Church's readiness for her eternal destiny and the ultimate celebration with Christ at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "righteousness" in this verse is dikaiōmata (δικαιώματα). While it can refer to righteous acts or ordinances, in this context, it carries the sense of the righteous deeds performed by the saints, which are the result of their divinely imputed righteousness. It's important to note that these good works are not the *cause* of their righteousness but the *evidence* and *fruit* of it, flowing from a life transformed by God's grace. It's the purity and holiness that God's grace enables and expects.

Significance and Application

For believers today, Revelation 19:8 offers profound comfort and a call to reflection:

  • Assurance of Salvation: It underscores that our standing before God is not based on our flawed efforts but on the perfect righteousness of Christ, which is graciously given to us. This provides immense peace and security.
  • Motivation for Holy Living: While salvation is by grace through faith, the "righteousness of saints" also implies a transformed life that produces good works. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness we have received, knowing that God has prepared good works for us to walk in.
  • Future Hope: This verse paints a vivid picture of the Church's glorious future, united with Christ in eternal purity and celebration. It reminds us of the ultimate victory and joy awaiting those who remain faithful.
  • Contrast with Worldly Values: In a world that often values outward appearance and self-promotion, the Bride's attire reminds us that true beauty and worth in God's eyes come from spiritual purity and righteousness, which are divinely granted.
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 61:10

    ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

  • Revelation 7:13

    ¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Mark 9:3

    And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

  • 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.

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

  • Ephesians 5:26

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

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