Revelation 19:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:8 vividly portrays the glorious attire of the Bride, identified as the Lamb's wife, which symbolizes the Church—all redeemed believers in Christ. This verse immediately follows the jubilant announcement of the marriage of the Lamb, establishing the divine provision of her magnificent garments, described as fine linen, clean and white. This attire is explicitly identified as the "righteousness of saints," signifying that the Church's purity and worthiness to enter into eternal union with Christ are not self-generated but are a gracious gift from God, reflecting both imputed righteousness and the righteous deeds enabled by divine grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Revelation, marking a dramatic shift from judgment to celebration. Chapters 17 and 18 detail the fall of "Babylon the Great," the harlot city representing all systems opposed to God, culminating in her utter destruction. With the enemy vanquished, the narrative pivots to the triumphant Church. [Revelation 19:6-7](/revelation/19-6-7 "Revelation 19:6-7 - The Great Multitude and the Marriage of the Lamb") introduces the "great multitude" praising God and announcing that "the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." Verse 8 then describes the specific nature of this readiness—her divinely granted attire. This sets the stage for the blessed invitation to the [Wedding Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Wedding Supper of the Lamb"), emphasizing the Church's purification and glorification as the climax of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern and Roman wedding customs provide a rich backdrop for understanding this imagery. Weddings were significant social and religious events, often involving elaborate preparations, processions, and feasts. The bride's attire was paramount, symbolizing her family's honor, her purity, and her readiness for marriage. Fine linen was a luxurious and expensive fabric, often worn by royalty or those of high status, signifying wealth and purity. In the biblical context, white garments frequently symbolize purity, holiness, and victory (e.g., the white robes of the martyrs in [Revelation 7:9-14](/revelation/7-9-14 "Revelation 7:9-14 - The Great Multitude in White Robes")). The concept of "righteousness" was deeply embedded in Jewish thought, referring to conformity to God's standards, both in legal standing and ethical conduct. For the early Christian readers, this vision would have resonated with their understanding of divine justice and the ultimate vindication of God's people amidst persecution.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 19:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **The Church as the Bride of Christ**, an intimate and covenantal relationship first introduced in the New Testament in passages like [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"), emphasizing Christ's sacrificial love and sanctifying work for His people. Secondly, the theme of **Divinely Granted Righteousness** is central, highlighting that the Church's purity and acceptability before God are not earned but are a gift (the phrase "to her was granted"). This aligns with the New Testament doctrine of imputed righteousness, where believers receive Christ's perfect righteousness through faith (e.g., [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thirdly, **Purity and Holiness** are underscored by the description "clean and white," signifying the moral and spiritual transformation necessary for fellowship with a holy God. Finally, the verse speaks to **Preparation for Eternity**, depicting the Church's ultimate state of readiness for eternal union and celebration with the Lamb, a hope that anchors believers through trials and tribulations, as seen throughout [the book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "Revelation Chapter 1").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **granted (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, meaning "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." Here, it emphasizes that the Bride's glorious attire is not self-made or earned through human effort, but is a divine bestowal, a gracious gift from God. This highlights God's sovereign initiative in preparing His people.
* **fine linen (Greek, _býssinos'_):** From G1039, meaning "made of linen (neuter a linen cloth)." This refers to a fabric of exceptional quality, often associated with royalty, wealth, and purity in ancient contexts. Its use here signifies the supreme honor and dignity bestowed upon the Bride, befitting her status as the Lamb's wife. The material itself, being "clean and white," underscores its pristine and unblemished nature.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaíōma'_):** From G1345, meaning "an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision." In this context, it refers to the righteous acts or deeds of the saints. While salvation is by grace through faith, this "righteousness" is understood as the practical outworking of that faith—the good works that flow from a transformed life, enabled by the Holy Spirit. It is the evidence of their justified state, not the means of achieving it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to her was granted":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine source of the Bride's adornment. It is not something she achieved or earned through her own merit, but rather a gracious gift, a privilege divinely bestowed upon her. This emphasizes God's sovereign act in preparing His Church for this glorious union.
* **"that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white":** This clause describes the specific nature of the granted attire. "Fine linen" (βύσσινος, _býssinos_) denotes a fabric of high quality, luxury, and purity, often associated with priestly or royal garments. The description "clean and white" (καθαρός καὶ λαμπρός, _katharós kai lamprós_) further emphasizes the absolute purity, moral blamelessness, and radiant splendor of the Bride. This imagery conveys her sanctified state, made pure and holy by God's grace.
* **"for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints":** This explanatory clause provides the profound theological interpretation of the fine linen. It is explicitly stated to be "the righteousness of saints" (τὰ δικαιώματα τῶν ἁγίων, _ta dikaiōmata tōn hagíōn_). This refers not merely to an imputed righteousness (Christ's righteousness credited to believers), but specifically to the righteous acts or deeds performed by the saints, which are the fruit and evidence of their saving faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit. These are the works of obedience and holiness that God enables His redeemed people to perform, making them fit for the divine marriage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "fine linen, clean and white" serving as a rich symbol for the "righteousness of saints." This imagery visually communicates the Church's purity and moral standing before God. The **Metaphor** of the "Bride, the Lamb's wife" is central to the entire passage, illustrating the intimate, covenantal relationship between Christ and His redeemed people. This metaphor conveys love, faithfulness, and ultimate union. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the harlot Babylon, whose attire in [Revelation 17:4](/revelation/17-4 "Revelation 17:4 - The Harlot's Adornment") is described as "purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls," symbolizing worldly opulence and spiritual harlotry. The Bride's simple yet radiant "clean and white" linen stands in stark contrast, highlighting spiritual purity over worldly extravagance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:8 profoundly articulates the nature of the Church's standing before God and her ultimate destiny. It underscores the dual aspect of righteousness in Christian theology: the imputed righteousness of Christ, by which believers are declared just in God's sight, and the practical righteousness, or sanctification, which is the Spirit-empowered outworking of that justified state in daily life. The "fine linen" is not earned by human merit but "granted," emphasizing divine grace as the source of salvation and transformation. Yet, its identification as "the righteousness of saints" indicates that this grace produces a tangible fruit of holy living. The Church, as the Bride, is not merely passively adorned but actively prepared through God's work within her, enabling her to perform righteous deeds that reflect her new nature and her union with Christ. This divine enablement ensures her readiness for the eternal marriage, a testament to God's faithfulness in perfecting His people.

* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Righteousness from God by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:8 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to holy living for believers today. The assurance that our "fine linen" is divinely granted reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our flawed efforts or self-righteousness, but on the perfect work of Christ and the grace of God. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and provides immense peace and security in our salvation. Simultaneously, the identification of this linen as "the righteousness of saints" serves as a powerful motivation for sanctification. It signifies that genuine faith will inevitably produce a transformed life, characterized by deeds of righteousness. We are called to live lives that reflect the holiness we have received, actively pursuing justice, mercy, and faithfulness, knowing that these good works are not the cause of our salvation but the evidence and fruit of it. This verse paints a glorious picture of our future hope, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is an intimate, eternal union with Christ, pure and radiant, prepared by God Himself for His own glory. It encourages us to live in light of that glorious future, striving for purity and actively engaging in the righteous deeds that honor our heavenly Bridegroom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that our righteousness is "granted" by God impact your sense of security and freedom in your faith?**
* **In what practical ways can the "righteousness of saints" be manifested in your daily life, and how does this differ from self-righteousness?**
* **How does the imagery of the Church as the "Bride of Christ" shape your understanding of your relationship with Jesus?**
* **What specific "clean and white" deeds of righteousness might God be calling you to pursue in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Bride" mentioned in Revelation 19:8?**

Answer: The "Bride" is consistently understood in Christian theology to represent the Church, which comprises all true believers in Jesus Christ from every age. This imagery emphasizes the intimate, covenantal relationship between Christ and His redeemed people, portraying them as His beloved spouse, destined for eternal union with Him. This concept is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people throughout salvation history, culminating in this glorious marriage supper.

**What does "fine linen, clean and white" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "fine linen, clean and white" symbolizes the "righteousness of saints." This is a multifaceted symbol. The "fine linen" itself signifies purity, honor, and a high status, befitting the Lamb's wife. The "clean and white" aspect emphasizes absolute moral and spiritual purity, blamelessness, and holiness. The explicit statement that this linen "is the righteousness of saints" means it represents both the imputed righteousness of Christ (His perfect righteousness credited to believers, making them acceptable before God) and the practical righteous deeds that believers perform as a result of their transformed lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's a garment of both divine imputation and Spirit-enabled sanctification.

**Is the "righteousness of saints" something believers earn, or is it a gift?**

Answer: Revelation 19:8 clearly states, "to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen." This emphasizes that the righteousness is a divine gift, not something earned by human merit or effort. It aligns with the New Testament doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, where believers receive Christ's perfect righteousness as a free gift ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). However, the phrase "righteousness of saints" also implies the righteous acts that flow from a life transformed by this grace. These good works are the evidence and fruit of genuine faith, not the cause of salvation ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace, Faith, and Good Works")). So, it is both a divinely granted status and the resulting Spirit-empowered conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:8 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very source and substance of the Bride's righteousness. The "fine linen, clean and white" that clothes the Church is not a garment woven by human hands or earned through human effort; rather, it is "granted" by God, a direct result of Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. Jesus, "who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). He is the Lamb who, through His sacrifice, "loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Thus, the Bride's radiant righteousness is entirely a reflection of her Bridegroom's perfect holiness and His redemptive work on her behalf. He is the one who purifies her, adorns her, and makes her ready for the eternal union, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him alone for His magnificent grace. The "righteousness of saints" is ultimately the righteousness of Christ, graciously imputed and powerfully imparted, enabling His people to live lives that reflect His character and honor His name, culminating in their eternal dwelling with Him ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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

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,