Revelation 6:15

KJV

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the kings {G935} of the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} the great men {G3175}, and {G2532} the rich men {G4145}, and {G2532} the chief captains {G5506}, and {G2532} the mighty men {G1415}, and {G2532} every {G3956} bondman {G1401}, and {G2532} every {G3956} free man {G1658}, hid {G2928} themselves {G1438} in {G1519} the dens {G4693} and {G2532} in {G1519} the rocks {G4073} of the mountains {G3735};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the earth’s kings, the rulers, the generals, the rich and the mighty — indeed, everyone, slave and free — hid himself in caves and among the rocks in the mountains,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains.

American Standard Version

And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains, and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 6:15 vividly portrays the universal terror and desperate attempts of all humanity, from the most powerful rulers to the lowliest slaves, to escape the overwhelming divine judgment unleashed during the opening of the sixth seal. Faced with cataclysmic cosmic disturbances, they seek futile refuge in the natural world, highlighting the utter inability of human strength, wealth, or status to withstand the wrath of God and the Lamb. This verse underscores the inescapable reality of divine accountability for all people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 6:15 is situated within the dramatic unfolding of the sixth seal, described in [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Opening of the Sixth Seal"). Preceding this verse, John witnesses a profound cosmic upheaval: a great earthquake, the sun turning black like sackcloth, the moon becoming like blood, and stars falling to the earth. The sky recedes like a scroll, and every mountain and island is moved out of its place. These are not mere natural disasters but supernatural signs, signaling the direct, terrifying intervention of God's judgment upon the earth. Verse 15 details the immediate, universal human reaction to these terrifying phenomena, setting the stage for the desperate cry in [Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Cry for Mountains to Fall") for mountains and rocks to fall on them, hiding them from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. It marks a crescendo of judgment, moving from physical devastation to the psychological and spiritual terror of humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, particularly during times of war, invasion, or natural catastrophe, seeking refuge in caves, dens, or mountainous terrain was a common survival strategy. Such places offered natural concealment and protection from immediate threats. For the powerful—kings, military leaders (chief captains), and the wealthy—their usual strongholds (palaces, fortified cities) would prove useless against a cosmic, divine onslaught. The mention of "bondman" and "free man" reflects the pervasive social structure of the Roman Empire and the broader ancient world, where society was sharply divided between those enslaved and those who were free. This distinction was fundamental to identity and status. The verse's depiction of all these groups hiding together underscores the leveling effect of divine judgment, where all human hierarchies become meaningless in the face of God's wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 6:15 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Universality of Judgment and Accountability**, demonstrating that no one, regardless of their social standing, power, or wealth, is exempt from God's righteous wrath. The comprehensive list of societal strata emphasizes that all humanity will face divine reckoning. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Resistance and Evasion** against God's sovereign will. Despite their desperate attempts to "hide themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains," the subsequent verse reveals their understanding that they cannot escape the "wrath of the Lamb" ([Revelation 6:16](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16 - The Wrath of the Lamb")). This echoes themes found throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - Omnipresence of God"), which declares the impossibility of fleeing from God's Spirit or presence. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Humiliation of Earthly Power and Prestige**. Those who once commanded armies and controlled vast wealth are reduced to the same terrified, vulnerable state as the lowliest slave, revealing the ultimate impotence of worldly authority when confronted with the Creator's power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hid (Greek, _krýptō'_):** This primary verb means "to conceal, properly, by covering." The use of the aorist tense ("hid") indicates a decisive, completed action, emphasizing the immediate and desperate nature of their attempt to find refuge. The reflexive pronoun "themselves" (ἑαυτοὺς, _heautoûs_) further stresses that this hiding was a self-initiated, frantic effort driven by profound fear, rather than being forced by an external agent. It speaks to a primal instinct for self-preservation in the face of overwhelming terror.
* **bondman (Greek, _doûlos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to bind," this term refers to a slave, whether literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. It denotes a state of subjection or subserviency. In this context, it represents the lowest rung of the social ladder, highlighting the complete spectrum of humanity included in this universal fear and judgment.
* **free man (Greek, _eleútheros'_):** This word implies being "unrestrained (to go at pleasure)," signifying someone who is not a slave, whether freeborn or manumitted, or exempt from obligation. It represents the opposite end of the social spectrum from the bondman. The juxtaposition of "bondman" and "free man" with the other powerful social classes underscores the absolute universality of the terror and the leveling effect of God's judgment, where all human distinctions become meaningless.
* **mountains (Greek, _óros'_):** Probably from an obsolete root meaning "to rise or 'rear'," this word refers to a mountain as lifting itself above the plain. Mountains often symbolize stability, power, or even divine presence in biblical literature. Here, however, the mountains, along with "dens" and "rocks," become places of sought-after, yet ultimately futile, refuge. The irony is profound: what might normally offer a sense of security or majesty now serves as a desperate, inadequate hiding place from a far greater power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men":** This extensive list meticulously details the highest echelons of human power, wealth, and authority. "Kings of the earth" signifies supreme political rulers; "great men" (megistânes) refers to grandees or nobles; "rich men" speaks to economic power; "chief captains" (chilíarchos) denotes high-ranking military commanders (literally, commanders of a thousand); and "mighty men" (dynatós) encompasses those powerful in strength, influence, or ability. The enumeration emphasizes that worldly dominion, wealth, and military might offer no protection or advantage when confronted with divine judgment.
* **"and every bondman, and every free man":** This phrase expands the scope of those affected to include every social stratum, from the lowest (bondman/slave) to the most common citizen (free man). This demonstrates the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending judgment, affecting all humanity without exception or discrimination based on social status. It reinforces the idea that all human distinctions are rendered irrelevant before the sovereign God.
* **"hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;":** This clause describes the desperate, self-initiated action of all these individuals. "Dens" (spḗlaion) refers to caves or caverns, often used as hiding places. "Rocks" (pétra) denotes large masses of rock. Their flight to these natural, seemingly secure, but ultimately inadequate, hiding places highlights the profound terror that grips them. It signifies their futile attempt to escape the omnipresent and overwhelming power of God's wrath, revealing the utter helplessness of humanity when faced with divine reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 6:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent the whole. By listing "the kings of the earth... and every bondman, and every free man," John encompasses the entire spectrum of humanity, from the most powerful to the most vulnerable, signifying "everyone" or "all humanity without exception." This emphasizes the universal impact of God's judgment. **Hyperbole** is also present in the description of the cosmic disturbances preceding this verse, and the universal, desperate hiding can be seen as an extension of this, underscoring the extreme nature of the fear and the overwhelming power of the divine wrath. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the "dens and in the rocks of the mountains." These natural formations, typically associated with refuge or stability, become symbols of false security and the utter futility of human attempts to escape God's omnipresent power. The very earth they seek to hide in is itself reeling from God's judgment, highlighting the inescapable nature of their predicament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 6:15 serves as a stark reminder of the biblical truth regarding God's ultimate sovereignty and the universal accountability of all humanity before Him. It shatters any illusion that worldly power, accumulated wealth, or social standing can provide refuge or exemption from divine judgment. The terror depicted is not merely a response to physical calamities but to the dawning realization of God's righteous wrath. This scene powerfully contrasts the fleeting nature of human authority with the eternal, unchallengeable power of the Creator. It underscores that true security is never found in earthly strongholds or human achievements, but only in a right relationship with God. The desperate attempts to hide reveal a profound spiritual truth: humanity, left to its own devices, cannot stand before a holy God in judgment, nor can it escape His gaze.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - Where Can I Flee from Your Spirit?")
* [Isaiah 2:19-21](/isaiah/2-19-21 "Isaiah 2:19-21 - Hiding from the Terror of the Lord")
* [Luke 23:30](/luke/23-30 "Luke 23:30 - Mountains, Fall on Us!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:15 compels us to confront the profound reality of God's ultimate judgment and the inescapable accountability that awaits all humanity. This verse challenges our contemporary reliance on power, wealth, and status, reminding us that in the face of divine reckoning, these earthly securities offer no protection. It serves as a powerful call to humility, urging us to recognize the fleeting nature of our worldly achievements and to place our hope and trust in something far more enduring. For believers, this passage deepens our appreciation for the grace and mercy found in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come. It also underscores the urgency of our mission to share the Gospel, offering the true refuge and security that only God provides to a world that will one day face His inescapable judgment. For those who have not yet acknowledged God, it is a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting His mercy and the utter futility of resisting His sovereign will. This verse compels us to examine our standing before God now, before the Day of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal fear depicted in Revelation 6:15 challenge our own tendencies to rely on worldly power, wealth, or social status for security?**
* **What "dens and rocks" might we, in our own lives, be tempted to hide in rather than facing our spiritual realities or submitting to God's will?**
* **How should the reality of God's coming judgment, as portrayed in this verse, shape our priorities, our pursuit of holiness, and our daily living?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, offer the true refuge and peace found in the Gospel to those who are living in spiritual blindness or false security?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "every bondman, and every free man" being mentioned alongside kings and mighty men?**

Answer: The meticulous enumeration of "kings of the earth," "great men," "rich men," "chief captains," "mighty men," and then "every bondman, and every free man" is profoundly significant. It functions as a powerful rhetorical device, a merism, to emphasize the absolute universality of the terror and the judgment. It signifies that no one, regardless of their social standing, power, wealth, or freedom, is exempt from the wrath of God. In the face of divine judgment, all human distinctions and hierarchies collapse, revealing that all humanity stands equally accountable before the Creator. This highlights that worldly status offers no protection or special privilege when confronted with the overwhelming power of God, as seen in the cosmic disturbances described in [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal Opens").

**Why do they hide in "dens and in the rocks of the mountains"?**

Answer: Their desperate flight to "dens and in the rocks of the mountains" is a primal, instinctive response to overwhelming fear and a futile attempt to escape the divine judgment they now recognize. In the ancient world, caves and mountainous terrain often served as natural hiding places during times of war or disaster. However, in this context, these seemingly secure natural shelters symbolize the utter inadequacy and futility of human efforts to hide from an omnipresent and omnipotent God. They are seeking refuge in creation itself, which is simultaneously being shaken by the Creator's wrath. This imagery echoes Old Testament prophecies where people call for mountains to fall on them to hide them from the terror of the Lord ([Hosea 10:8](/hosea/10-8 "Hosea 10:8 - Mountains and Hills") and [Isaiah 2:19-21](/isaiah/2-19-21 "Isaiah 2:19-21 - Hiding from the Terror of the Lord")). It underscores that there is no place on earth, no matter how remote or fortified, that can offer true sanctuary from the wrath of Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb ([Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 6:15, with its terrifying depiction of universal flight from divine wrath, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very "wrath of the Lamb" mentioned in the subsequent verse ([Revelation 6:16](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16 - The Wrath of the Lamb")) points to Christ as the ultimate dispenser of divine justice, a role given to Him by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Yet, it is this same Lamb who, through His sacrificial death on the cross, offers the only true refuge from this impending wrath. While the world seeks to hide in mountains and rocks, the Gospel proclaims that believers are hidden *in Christ* ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God")), having been delivered from the wrath to come through His atoning blood ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). The desperate fear of Revelation 6:15 stands in stark contrast to the peace and security offered by Jesus, who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). Thus, the terrifying judgment described in this verse serves to magnify the glorious salvation found in Christ, who is not only the righteous Judge but also the compassionate Savior, providing the ultimate and only true hiding place for all who believe ([Psalm 32:7](/psalm/32-7 "Psalm 32:7 - You Are My Hiding Place")).

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 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 2:21

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 24:21

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones [that are] on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

Isaiah 24:22

And they shall be gathered together, [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

Isaiah 2:10

¶ Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

Psalms 2:10

¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.