Revelation

The final book of the Bible, Revelation was written around 96 AD. It has always been controversial, and was the last book of the Bible to be deemed as canonical by the Catholic Church in the fourth century. Even so, for centuries it was still rejected by the Eastern Church, and not received as a part of their canon until after 900 AD. To this day, it is the only book that is not read in any of the Eastern Orthodox liturgies.

 

During the Reformation, even Luther questioned its legitimacy. Calvin also may have had doubts about it, for he wrote no commentaries on Revelation.

 

Because it would take an entire book to properly comment on Revelation, the commentary on it is very limited.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia:1 Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:2

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels3 of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to show His servants the things that must shortly come to pass. He sent this message and assigned an angel to deliver it to His servant John,

2 Who bore record of the Message of God, and testified about Jesus Christ, and about all the things he saw.

3 Blessed is he who reads, and those who understand, and those who keep what is written in the words of this prophecy, for the epoch is at hand.

4 John: to the seven churches in Turkey. Grace and peace be to you from (God) who is, and was, and is to come; and (grace and peace also) from the seven Spirits that are before His throne;

5 And (grace and peace) from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To he who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And who has made us kings and priests unto God his Father--to him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen.

7 Behold, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him--including those who pierced him. And all the peoples of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, amen.

8 I am the Alpha and Omega--the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is, and was, and is to come--the Almighty!

9 I John, who am also your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and perseverance of Jesus Christ, was on the island called Patmos, exiled there for the

Message of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice like a shofar,

11 Saying: I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last! What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches that are in Turkey: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

12 And I turned to look at the voice that spoke to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden menorahs.

13 In the midst of the menorahs was one like the Son of Man (--the bar Enash Daniel prophesied about--) clothed with a robe down to the foot, and a golden belt about his waist.

14 His head and hair were white like wool--and white as snow! And his eyes were like flames of fire!

15 And his feet were like fine brass, as if they had been forged in a furnace; and his voice was as the sound of many waterfalls!

16 He had seven stars in his right hand, and out of his mouth came a sharp, double-edged sword. His countenance was like the sun shining in all its strength!

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not--I am the First and the Last!

18 I am he who lives, and was dead! Behold, I am alive forevermore, amen! And I have the keys (of authority) over both death and Sheol.

19 Write down what you have seen, the things you are seeing, and the things you shall see:

20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden menorahs. The seven stars are the (Overseers) of the seven churches; and the seven menorahs are the seven churches themselves.

 1. “Asia” refers to central and western Turkey. A false teaching that the various churches represent various church ages has arisen from the order in which the churches are addressed. The truth is, that they are addressed in the order they are simply because, starting from Ephesus--which is where John lived--this is the order they naturally fall in as one travels in a circle.

2. This verse, coupled with the next, is absolute proof that Jesus Christ is God, since God otherwise (Isaiah 41:4) says that about Himself.

3. These may not be angels as we think of them. The term in Jewish context here is likely the chief elder of a synagogue who oversaw teaching the people. (Today the elder, or Chazan, is a cantor.)

 

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans,1 which I also hate.

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.2

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

28 And I will give him the morning star.

29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

1 To the (Overseer) of the church at Ephesus, write: These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden menorahs:

2 I know your deeds, and your work, and your persistence, and how you cannot bear those who are evil; and the fact that you have tested those who claim to be apostles--though they aren’t--and have found them to be liars.

3 You have borne up patiently, and for the sake of who and what I am you have worked and not grown weary.

4 Nevertheless, I have a grievance against you for the fact that you have left your first love.

5 Go back and remember where you fell from. Repent, and do the first deeds, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your menorah out of its place unless you repent.

6 But this you have going for you--you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I hate as well.

7 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches: To him who overcomes, I will give fruit to eat from the Tree of Life that is in the middle of the Paradise God created.

8 To the (Overseer) at the church of Smyrna, write: These things says the First and the Last, who was dead and is now alive:

9 I know your deeds, trials, and poverty--though you are truly rich! And I know the slanderous things said about you by those who claim to be Jews, but are not, and rather are from the synagogue of Satan.

10 Don’t be afraid of the things you will suffer! Behold--the devil will cast some of you into dungeons, that you may be tested. You will have tribulation for ten days. But be faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.

11 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches: him who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.

12 And to the (Overseer) at Pergamos, write: These things says he who has the sharp, double-edged sword:

13 I know your works, and where you dwell--even where Satan’s throne (sits on a mountain above the city)! I know you have held fast to my name, and have not your faith in me, even as in the days when Antipas, my faithful martyr, was slain among you there, in the place Satan dwells.

14 But I have a few grievances against you, because you have among you some who hold to the ways of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, instructing them to (idolatrously) eat things offered up to idols, and to commit sexual sin.

15 You also have some there who hold the doctrines of the Nicolaitans, doctrines that I hate.

16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against these with the sword of my mouth!

17 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches: To him who overcomes, I will give to eat of the "hidden manna," and will give him a white (voting pebble to show I have declared him innocent), and on it a new name inscribed that no one knows but he who receives it.

18 And to the (Overseer) at the church at Thyatira, write: These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like flaming fire, and feet like fine brass:

19 I know your deeds, love, acts of service, faith, perseverance; and how you are even more zealous of these now than you were in the beginning.

20 But I still have some grievances regarding you, because you allow that woman named Jezebel--who calls herself a prophetess--to teach and seduce my servants to commit sexual sin, and to (idolatrously) eat things offered up to idols.

21 I gave her some time to repent of her spiritual defilement, but she would not.

22 Behold--I will cast her into a sick bed; and those who commit sexual sin at her behest I will send into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will slay her children to death; and all the churches will know that I am he who searches out the thoughts and hearts; and I will give to every one of you according to what you have done.

24 But I say to you, and to the rest in Thyatira--as many as reject her doctrine, and have not plumbed the depths of Satan (the so-called “deep mysteries”) she and hers tell you of--that I will lay no greater burden upon you.

25 But that (truth) which you already have--hold fast until I come.

26 And him who overcomes, and continues to do what I have shown to do to the end--to him will I give power over the (Gentile) nations.

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron. As the pots of a potter, the nations will be broken into shards with the same authority as I have received from my Father.

28 And I will also give him the Morning Star.

29 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches.

1. Just who the Nicolaitans were isn't fully known. They may have been a Gnostic group that discouraged marriage, yet degenerated into sexual profligates; or they may have mixed paganism with Christianity and/or introduced a sort of priestly hierarchy.

2. Although offensive in language, this reveals how seriously God views a Judaism that denies Christ is Messiah.

3. The reference to “Satan’s seat” (throne) refers to a giant throne-shaped altar to Zeus erected on a mountain above the city. (This magnificent altar still exists in a Berlin museum.) Pergamos was also a seat of what we today would call media and communication, along with being a major center of emperor-worship.

4. The “white stone” is probably a reference to the white voting pebble that is cast to show one’s innocence.

 

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God,1 and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

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.

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David,2 he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

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.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

1 To the (Overseer) of the church at Sardis, write: These things says he who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know your deeds, and that you have a reputation for being alive, though you are dead.

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the good things remaining in you which are about to die, for I have not found your deeds acceptable before God.

3 So remember how you first received and heard (the truth). Hold fast to that, and repent. If you do not stay on watch, I will come upon you as a thief in the night, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.

4 You have a few people even in Sardis who have not defiled their robes, and they will walk with me clothed in white, for they are worthy.

5 him who overcomes shall be clothed in white clothing, and I will not blot his name out of the Scroll of Life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels.

6 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches.

7 To the (Overseer) of the church at Philadelphia, write: These things says he that is holy, true, and who has the key of David--who is the one who opens and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens.

8 I know your deeds. Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can close it, for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied who and what I am.

9 Behold--I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews, yet who are not, but rather lie--to come and do obeisance before your feet, and cause them to know that I have loved you.

10 Because you all have followed my example of perseverance, I will also keep you from the hour of temptation that shall come upon the entire world to test those who dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come in a flash! Hold fast to what you have, that no man steals your crown.

12 Him who overcomes will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall no longer have to depart from it. I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God--the new Jerusalem--which comes down from my God in heaven; and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches.

14 To the (Overseer) at the church of the Laodiceans, write: These things says the Amen...the faithful and true witness...the source of the things created by God:

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were either one or the other!

16 So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth,

17 Because you say: "I am rich, and have an abundance of goods, and have need of nothing." All the while, you do not realize that you are, in fact, wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

18 I advise you to buy from me the gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white clothing, that you may be dressed (in my righteousness), that the shame of your nakedness is covered; and obtain my sort of salve for your bad eyes that you may see!

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and punish, so be zealous, and repent!

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.

21 To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I overcame, and have sat down with my Father on His throne!

22 He who has an ear, let him understand what the Spirit says to the churches.

1. The “Seven Spirits of God” may be a reference to the one Holy Spirit, though it could also be to seven angels that stand before the throne of God, mentioned in the apocrypha and Rev. 8:2. If of the Spirit, its point is to convey completeness in authority and presence.

2. The “Key of David” is mentioned in Isaiah 22:22 as being granted to Eliakim, the treasurer of Hezekiah. Language about him therein signifies the authority of a High Priest who also possesses delegated kingly authority. The analogy to Christ is that he is both High Priest and king by God’s command.

 

 

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders1 sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts2 full of eyes before and behind.

7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders3 fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord,4 to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

1 After this, I looked--and behold! A door opened up in heaven, and the first voice I heard sounded like a shofar. It talked to me, saying: Come up here, and I will show you things that must come to pass!

2 And immediately, I was (out of the body,) in the spirit, and behold--I saw a throne in heaven, and one sat upon the throne.

3 And He who sat upon it was dazzling as jasper and sardine gemstones; and there was a rainbow around the throne that looked like an emerald.

4 And encircling the throne were twenty-four thrones, and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and upon their heads were crowns of gold.

5 And out of the throne came lightning bolts, thunders, and voices. And there were seven menorahs burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 And in front of the throne was a sea of glass like crystal, and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four (sphinx-like creatures) with eyes in their front and in their back.

7 The first (sphinx-like creature) was like a lion. The second was like a calf. The third had a man’s face. The fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 And the four (sphinx-like creatures) each had six wings, and they possess eyes all about their bodies. These never rest, but day and night repeat the words: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.

9 And when these (sphinx-like creatures) gave glory and honor and thanks to Him who sat upon the throne, who lives forever and ever,

10 The twenty-four elders fell down before Him who sat on the throne; and they worshipped Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, honor and power--for you created all things, and for your pleasure they exist, and were created.

1. The 24 elders probably represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 12 apostles. 

2. Though translated "beasts," the word is better rendered living creatures. The Egyptian word for the Sphinx, She-sep-ankh, meant a living image (while sphinx in Greek means strangler), and John seems to have observed a vision of sphinx-like creatures--i.e., a conglomeration of different creatures/angels, akin to those Ezekiel saw and wrote of. The paraphrase thus uses the term sphinx-like creatures in these passages. These angels may represent the tribes as they surrounded the Tabernacle.

3. Traditionally, these elders have been viewed as the 12 Patriarchs and the 12 apostles, representing the Old and New Testaments.

4. “You are worthy” was a Roman acclaim for the Caesars, to which Domitian added the word “Lord.” By the way, the casting down of crowns in verse 10 refers to a practice of lesser kings laying their crowns down before Caesar to acknowledge his supremacy as king of kings. The whole sense of this section of Revelation is that God--not Caesar--is Lord of the earth!

 

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

1 And I saw a scroll that was written on both sides and sealed with seven seals being held in the right hand of God who sat on the throne.

2 Then I observed a powerful angel proclaim with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the scroll, and break its seals?

3 But no man in heaven, nor on earth, nor in Sheol was able to open the scroll or read it.

4 And I wept very much, because no man was found worthy to open the scroll or look in it.

5 Then one of the elders said to me: Weep not! Behold--the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has prevailed to unroll the scroll, and break its seals.

6 And I looked, and there--in the midst of the throne and the four (sphinx-like creatures), and amidst the elders--stood a Lamb that looked to have been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God that are sent forth throughout the earth.

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of (God) who sat upon the throne.

8 When he took the book, the four (sphinx-like creatures) and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. They all had harps, and golden censers of incense, which are the prayers of the righteous.

9 And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals--for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood, out of every family, tongue, people, and nation;

10 And you have made us kings and priests unto our God--and we shall reign upon the earth.

11 And I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels round about the throne and the (sphinx-like creatures) and the elders; and they were innumerable--ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of them!

12 They said with a loud voice: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!

13 And every creature that is in heaven, and on the earth, and in Sheol, together with those in the sea--all that are in these realms--I heard saying: Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be to (God) who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever!

14 And the four (sphinx-like creatures) said: Amen! Then the twenty-four elders fell down and did obeisance to Him who lives forever and ever.

 

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.1

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

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:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?2

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15 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;

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

1 And I saw the Lamb open one of the seals. Then I heard a noise like thunder, which was one of the four (sphinx-like creatures) saying: Come and see!

2 And I beheld a white horse, and he who sat upon him had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second (sphinx-like creature) say: Come and see!

4 And there went out another horse that was red, and power was given to him that sat upon it to take peace from the earth; and that men should kill each other--and he was given a great sword.

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third (sphinx-like creature) say: Come and see! And I beheld a black horse, and the man upon it had a pair of scales in one hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four (sphinx-like creatures) say: (One day’s food for one day’s wages)--and see that you do not hurt the oil and the wine!

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth (sphinx-like creature) say: Come and see!

8 And I looked, and beheld a sickly green horse, and the name of the man who sat upon it was DEATH--and Sheol followed him. Power was given them over a quarter of the earth, to kill with sword, hunger, death, and with the wild animals of the earth.

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Message of God, and for the testimony that they had lived out.

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?

11 Meanwhile, white robes were given to every one of them, and they were told that they should rest for a little while, until their fellow servants and brethren who were destined to be killed as they were should complete what had been assigned for them.

12 And I beheld, when he opened the sixth seal, a great earthquake. And the sun became black as goatskin, and the moon became red as blood.

13 And the stars in the heavens fell to the earth even as a fig tree casts its fruit early when a great wind shakes it.

14 And the heavens vanished like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island moved from its place (from the force of the earthquake).

15 And the kings of the earth, and the important men, and the rich men, and the chief military officers, and the mighty men, and every slave, and every free man hid themselves in the caves and rocks of the mountains.

16 They said to the mountains and rocks: Fall on us, and hide us from the sight of God who sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!

17 For the great day of His wrath has finally come, and who will be able to stand it?!

1. The reference here seems to refer to some sort of hyperinflation, where an entire day’s wages will be required for a simple loaf of barley bread. The reference to the oil and wine is debatable, and could indicate that the rich will not yet be impacted. Others see this as referring to the activities of the Holy Spirit.

2. One might wonder why these souls would cry out for vengeance for their deaths when Jesus and Stephen forgave those slaying them. The reason is, the grace of God has run out for the sinners on earth, and now only God's wrath is left to pour out.

 

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

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

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.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that it should not blow on the earth, the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the Living God, and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels who had permission to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying: Do not hurt the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed--there were sealed a total of one hundred forty-four thousand from all the tribes of Israel.

5 From Judah were sealed twelve thousand. From Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. From Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

6 From Asher were sealed twelve thousand. From Napthali were sealed twelve thousand. From Manasseh were sealed twelve thousand.

7 From Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. From Levi were sealed twelve thousand. From Isachaar were sealed twelve thousand.

8 From Zebulon were sealed twelve thousand. From Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. From Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9 After this, I beheld a great multitude that no man could number from all nations, families, people and tongues standing before the throne and the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes, and had palm branches in their hands.

10 They cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!

11 And all the angels stood roundabout the throne, and about the four elders and the four (sphinx-like creatures); and they fell before the throne on their faces and did obeisance to God,

12 Saying: Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be unto our God forever and ever! Amen!

13 And one of the elders answered, saying: Who are these dressed in the white robes, and where do they come from?

14 And I told him, Sir--you would know better than I! And he said to me: These are they who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore, they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His Temple--and He who sits on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 And they shall hunger no more, neither shall they thirst, neither shall the sun shine on them with its heat.

17 For the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to the fountains of life; and God shall wipe away all their tears from their eyes!

 

 

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.1

2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

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.

4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

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.

6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire2 was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about a half an hour.

2 And I saw the seven angels that stood before God, and they were given seven silver shofars.

3 And another angel came and stood at the altar who had a golden censer. He was given much incense with the intention that he should offer it, together with the prayers of the righteous, upon the golden altar that was before the throne.

4 And the smoke of the incense, which arose together with the prayers of the righteous, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

5 And then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar, and cast it to the earth. Then there were voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

6 And the seven angels with the seven shofars readied themselves to sound them.

7 The first angel blew his shofar, and there came forth hail and fire mixed with blood--and they were cast upon the earth. A third part of the trees was burned up, along with all the green grass.

8 Then the second angel blew, and (an asteroid) that burned with fire was cast into the sea; and a third part of the sea turned to blood.

9 And a third of the creatures living in the sea died, and a third of the world’s ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel blew, and a great star fell from the heavens, burning like a lamp as it fell, and it struck a third part of the waters, and upon the springs of waters.

11 The name of the star was Wormwood, and it turned a third of the earth's waters to (poison), and many men died because of the bitter waters.

12 The fourth angel then blew, and a third of the sun was smitten, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars--and these grew dark. The daylight even did not show for a third of the time, nor was there light in the nighttime sky for a third of the night.

13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the heavens, crying out with a loud voice, saying: Woe! Woe! Woe to the people of the earth for the shofar blasts of the three angels yet to blow!

1. This is a very puzzling verse, for praise is otherwise going on continuously!

2. The question here is whether or not this is literal. If it is, it appears to prophesy some sort of asteroid will impact the earth and devastate the sea and much of humanity.

 

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star1 fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels2 which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

1 Now the fifth angel blew, and I saw a star fall from the heavens to the earth--and to this being was given the key to the Bottomless Pit.

2 And it opened the Bottomless Pit, and a great smoke arose from it, and the sun and air were darkened from the great volume of smoke that arose from the Pit.

3 And out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and they were given power even as the earth’s scorpions have power.

4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, nor any green plant, nor any tree--but they were only to hurt those men who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads.

5 And they were commissioned not to kill those men, but to torment them for five months. And the torment they underwent was like that of a scorpion that stings a man.

6 And in those days men shall seek death and not find it; and shall desire to die, but death will flee from them.

7 The shapes of the locusts were like horses readied for battle, and on their heads were what resembled crowns of gold, and their faces were like men’s faces.

8 And the hair of their heads was like that of women’s, and their teeth were like those of lions.

9 They had breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots and many horses charging into battle.

10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails; and their power was to harm men for five months.

11 And they had a king over them, the angel of the Bottomless Pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek Apollyon.

12 One Woe is past, but look--two more Woes are to follow!

13 And the sixth angel blew, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God,

14 Saying to the sixth angel who had the shofar: Release the four angels who are bound in the great river Euphrates!

15 And the four angels were freed, who had been prepared for one hour, one day, one month, and one year to slay a third of mankind.

16 And the number of the horsemen was two hundred million--I actually heard this number!

17 And in the vision I thus saw the horses and those who sat on them, with their breastplates of fire, and jacinth, and brimstone. The heads of the horses were like lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone.

18 By these three was a third of mankind slain--by fire, smoke, and brimstone, which came out of their mouths.

19 For their power is in their mouths and in their tails--for their tails were like those of snakes, and with the heads of those tails they hurt people.

20 And the rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues did not repent from the work of their hands, that they should not worship devils and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see, hear, nor speak.

21 Neither did they repent from their murders, nor their (drug abuse,) nor their sexual immorality, nor their thefts.

1. We can only speculate on what this creature is. The creatures released from that Pit may be the creatures/angels bound in Tartarus for their sins in the early years of Genesis; or else some of Satan’s fallen angels who may have been bound before, or subsequent to, the creation of man.

2. These appear to be fallen angels since they are chained up.

 

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 10

1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed in a cloud. A rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet were pillars of fire.

2 And he had in his hand a little open scroll. Then he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write, but then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me: Seal up the things that the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.

5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and the earth, lifted up his hand to heaven,

6 And swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it; and the earth and the things in it; and the sea and the things in it that there would be no further delay!

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when He begins to blow, the mystery of God will be completed, as he has declared to His servants, the prophets!

8 And the voice I heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying: Go and take the small scroll that is in the hand of the angel who stands upon the sea and the earth.

9 So I went to the angel, and told him: Give me the little scroll. He replied: Take it, and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.

10 So I took the small scroll out of the angel’s hand and ate it up. As he said, it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but as soon as I had eaten it, my stomach was bitter.

11 And he then told me, You must prophesy again before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.

 

 

  CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament:2 and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

1 And there was given to me a reed like a ruler, and the angel stood by, saying: Rise and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and those who worship within.

2 But the court that is outside the Temple, leave out and do not measure it, for it is given to the Gentiles. The Holy City they shall trod underfoot for forty-two months.

3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy, dressed in goatskins, for one thousand two hundred sixty days.

4 They are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouths and burns up their enemies. Anyone who harms them must be slain in this manner.

6 They have the power to shut the heavens up so that it does not rain during the days they prophesy. They have power over the waters to turn them to blood; and they can smite the earth with plagues as often as they wish.

7 When they have finished their testimony, the Behemoth that ascends out of the Bottomless Pit will fight against them and kill them.

8 And their bodies will lie dead in the great city (--Jerusalem--) which is spiritually called Sodom, and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

9 And those of the earth--all its peoples--will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be placed in graves.

10 And those who dwell upon the earth will rejoice over their deaths, and will send gifts to each other because these two prophets had tormented those who dwelt upon the earth.

11 But after three-and-a-half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood up on their

feet--and great fear fell upon those who saw them.

12 And they heard a great voice from heaven say to them: Come up here! And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched helplessly behind them.

13 Immediately, there was a great earthquake and a tenth part of Jerusalem fell; and seven thousand men died in the earthquake--and those who did not die were greatly afraid, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second Woe is past, but the third Woe now comes quickly.

15 The seventh angel blew, and there were great voices in heaven, saying: The kingdoms of this world have now become the kingdoms of our Lord God, and His Messiah--and He will reign forever and ever!

16 And the twenty-four elders that sat before God on their thrones fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

17 Saying: We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who is, and was, and is to come--because you have taken great power to Yourself, and have reigned!

18 And the nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead to be judged; and that You should bestow rewards to Your servants, the prophets, and to the righteous, and to those, small and great, who reverence Your Name; and that You should destroy those who destroy the earth.

19 And the Temple of God was opened in heaven, and in His Temple was seen the Ark of the Covenant; and there were lightnings, voices, thunderings, along with an earthquake and great hail.

1. Many theologians believe that Moses and Elijah are the two witnesses here. However, some mistakenly believe Enoch, rather than Moses, is one of the Witnesses based on the fact that Enoch--like Elijah--never died. However, there is an entire generation that will not see death, but will be brought up to meet Christ in the clouds, and so that belief is not warranted.

2. Here, we may see why Jeremiah 3:16 records that the Ark of the Covenant will never come to mind again, nor be missed--it may be in heaven, and not on earth.

 

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon,1 having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments2 of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1 And now there appeared a great wonder in the heavens: A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet; and upon her head was a crown of twelve stars.

2 And she, being pregnant, cried out in labor pains, and began to deliver.

3 And there appeared another wonder in the heavens: (Leviathan--) a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

4 And his tail drew along a third part of the stars of the heavens, and he cast them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to deliver, intending to devour the child as soon as it was born.

5 And she delivered a male child who would rule all nations with a rod of iron--and her child was caught up to God and His throne.

6 And the woman, meanwhile, fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared for her by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

7 Meanwhile, there was war in the heavens: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought back with his own angels.

8 But he did not prevail, neither could they remain in their Place in the heavens.

9 And now the great dragon was cast out--that old snake called the devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast down to the earth, and his angels with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: Now is come salvation, strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Messiah, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down--the same one who accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the Message of their testimony--and they did not love their lives, but submitted to death.

12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath (because he knows his time is about up)!

13 And when the devil saw that he was cast onto the earth, he persecuted the woman who had brought forth the male child.

14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle so that she could fly into the wilderness to her own Place, where she would be nourished for three-and-a-half years from the face of the dragon.

15 And the serpent expunged a flood of water from his mouth after the woman, hoping to carry her away and drown her.

16 But the earth helped the woman, and opened its mouth, swallowing the flood that the dragon had cast out of his mouth.

17 And the dragon was angry with the woman, and then went to make war against the remnant of her offspring, who keep the commands of God, and live and proclaim the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1. Though translated as “dragon,” the creature is not the fire-breathing dragon of the sort we think of, but nay be a crocodile, and could correspond to “Leviathan,” mentioned in Job and Isaiah. (In the Aramaic Targums, Job’s Leviathan is actually called a crocodile.)

2. A false teaching from this verse arises in some quarters that John is talking about Mosaic Law. The commentary on 1 John 2:3 addresses this issue. I will also add that were John’s intent to mean the actual Law, he would have simply said, “the Law of God,” rather than “the commandment(s) of God.” Also, if we look at his Gospel, John never uses the word “commandments” (entole) to specifically refer to the body of the Law; instead, he properly uses “Law” (nomos). Also, his use of entole often refers to morality, exhortation and lifestyle, rather than a list from the Torah, which fits the context here.

 

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13

1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.

10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.1

1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a Behemoth rise up out of the sea, with seven heads and ten horns; and upon his horns were ten crowns, and upon his heads was the name of blasphemy.

2 And the Behemoth I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were those of a bear, and his mouth was that of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it were wounded to death. Then its deadly wound was healed, and all the world was amazed at the Behemoth.

4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power to the Behemoth, saying: Who is like the Behemoth?! Who can make war with him?!

5 And his mouth was anointed to speak great things, and blasphemies; and power was given to him to continue forty-two months.

6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.

7 And he was given power to make war against the righteous, and to overcome them. And power was given him over all families, tongues, and nations.

8 And all who dwell upon the earth shall worship him--those whose names are not written in the Scroll of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If any man can understand--let him understand!

10 He who leads (others) into captivity, shall go into captivity. He who kills with the sword, must be killed with the sword. Thus, the righteous must remain patient and in faith through it all.

11 And I beheld another Behemoth coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.

12 And he exercised all the power of the first Behemoth before him, and caused the earth and those who dwell therein to worship the first Behemoth, whose deadly wound was healed.

13 And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from the heavens down to the earth in the sight of all men--

14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by means of those miracles that he had the power to do in the sight of the Behemoth. He said to those upon the earth that they should make an idol of the Behemoth, which had the wound made by a sword, yet did live.

15 And he had the power to give life to the idol of the Behemoth, that the image should both speak, and cause as many as would not worship its image to be killed.

16 And he causes all--both great and small, rich and poor, free and slave--to receive a mark on their right hand, or in their foreheads.

17 And no man could buy or sell except for those who had the mark, or the Behemoth’s name, or the number of his name.

18 Now here is wisdom: Let he who has understanding decipher the number of the Behemoth, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666 (and 616).

 1. The 3rd century Oxyrhynchus Papyrus is the oldest known copy of the Book of Revelation, and uses the number 616.

 

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14

1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.1 These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

1 And I looked, and there stood a Lamb on Mount Zion, and with him were a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waterfalls, and like the sound of a great thunderclap. I also heard the voice of harpers playing their harps.

3 And they sang a new song before the throne, and the four beasts, and the elders. No man could learn that song except for the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.

4 These are those who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes, and were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and the Lamb.

5 And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are blameless before the throne of God.

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of the heavens, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell upon the earth, and to every nation, family, tongue, and people.

7 He said with a loud voice: Fear God, and give glory to Him--for the hour of His judgment has come! Worship Him who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8 And there followed another angel, saying: Babylon is utterly demolished! That great city, because she made all nations drink the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice: If any man worships the Behemoth and his idol, and receives his mark in his forehead or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, which is poured out in full strength into the cup of His indignation--and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.

11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever--and they have no rest day and night, who worship the Behemoth and his image, and who receive the mark of his name.

12 This is why the righteous must remain patient. Here are they who keep the commands of God, and the faith of Jesus.

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me: Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from this point on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors. Their deeds follow them.

14 And I looked and beheld a white cloud, and one on the cloud sat, who looked like a human man. He wore a golden crown, and in his hand was a sharp sickle.

15 Then another angel came out of the Temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud: Thrust in your sickle, and reap--for the time has come to you to reap. The dried up wheat of the earth is ready!

16 And he that sat upon the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17 And another angel came out of the Temple in heaven, who also had a sharp sickle.

18 And another angel came out from the altar who had power over fire. He cried with a loud voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying: Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.

19 And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed out from the winepress that reached up even to the horses’ bridles, one hundred-and-eighty miles long.

1. The virginity referred to means those who have not compromised the true faith with falsehood or impropriety.

 

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

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.

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.

5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

1 And I saw another sign in the heavens, great and marvelous: Seven angels having the last seven plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had gotten their victory over the Behemoth, and over his idol, and his mark, and over the number of his name. They stood on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

3 And they sang the song of Moses the servant of God; and they sang the song of the Lamb, saying: Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty--just and true are Your ways, You King of the righteous!

4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your Name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments are revealed.

5 And after I had looked--behold, the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony in heaven was opened.

6 Then the seven angels came out of the Temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden belts.

7 One of the four (sphinx-like creatures) then gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.

8 And the Temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power. No man was able to enter into the Temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

 

 

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 16

1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

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

8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

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

16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

1 And I heard a great voice out of the Temple saying to the seven angels: Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

2 So the first went out and poured out his vial upon the earth, and horrible, grievous sores fell upon the men who had the mark of the Behemoth, and those who worshipped his idol.

3 Then the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea, and it became like the blood of a dead man--and every living thing in the sea died.

4 Then the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of water, and they became blood too.

5 And I heard the angel of the waters say: You are righteous, O Lord, who are, and were, and shall be--because you have judged earth in this way.

6 For men have shed the blood of the righteous and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink in return. They deserve it!

7 And I heard another angel out of the altar say: Indeed, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments!

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun, and power was given him to scorch men with fire.

9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues--and men refused to repent and give Him glory.

10 Then the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the (political system and territories of) the Behemoth, and his kingdom was full of darkness; and people gnawed their tongues for the pain.

11 And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and they did not repent of their deeds.

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates, and its waters dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East.

13 Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the Behemoth, and out of the mouth of the False Prophet.

14 These are the spirits of devils working miracles; and they go forth to the kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15 (And Christ says:) Behold, I come as a thief! Blessed is he who watches and keeps his clothes on, lest he walk about naked, and his shame be seen by all.

16 And he gathered them together into a place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

17 Then the seventh angel poured his vial into the atmosphere, and a great voice came out of the Temple in heaven from the throne. It said: It is done!

18 And there were voices, thunders, lightnings--and there was a great earthquake such as had never happened since man had been on the earth. It was an earthquake beyond belief!

19 And Jerusalem was divided into three parts, and the cities of the Gentiles fell; and great Babylon came to God’s remembrance, that he would give her the cup of wine of the fierceness of His wrath.

20 And every island fled away, and the mountains flattened.

21 And there fell upon men a great hail from the sky, each stone weighing around seventy-five pounds! But men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for the plague was unbelievably great.

 

 

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17

1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.1

6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

1 Then one of the seven angels with the seven vials came up and spoke to me, saying: Come here, and I will show you God’s judgment against the Great Prostitute that sits on many waters,

2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and with whom the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her sexual immorality.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit to the wilderness, and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, with seven heads and ten horns.

4 And the woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked out with gold and precious stones and pearls; and she had in her hand a golden goblet full of abominations and the filthiness of her sexual immorality.

5 And upon her head was a mysterious name that was written: Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and abominations of the earth.

6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the righteous, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus--and when I saw her, I wondered with great amazement.

7 Then the angel said to me: Why did you marvel? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and the Behemoth that carries her, which has seven heads and ten horns.

8 The Behemoth you saw was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the Bottomless Pit, and go into perdition; and they who dwell on the earth--whose names are not written in the Scroll of Life from the foundation of the world--shall be amazed when they behold the Behemoth that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 And here is the mind that has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman sits.

10 And there are seven kings. Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he does appear, he must continue on for a short space of time.

11 And the Behemoth that was, and is not--even he is the eighth, and is from the seven, and goes into perdition.

12 And the ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not received a kingdom yet; but they receive power as kings for one hour with the Behemoth.

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength to the Behemoth.

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings--and those who are with him are called, and chosen, and are faithful.

15 And he said to me: The waters you saw where the prostitute sits are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

16 And the ten horns you saw upon the Behemoth--these shall hate the prostitute, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire.

17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom to the Behemoth until the decrees of God shall be fulfilled.

18 And the woman you saw is the great city (of Rome) that reigns over the kings of the earth.

 1. Who the Whore is, is a matter of speculation, as is the city over which she reigns. Many Protestants view this as referring to Rome and the Catholic Church. However, it should be noted that Vatican Hill is not one of the seven hills of Rome! Various rabbinic writings confirm that Jerusalem is also built on seven hills, as are other noteworthy places in the world such as Byzantium, Babylon, and even Lisbon, Portugal. However, the most reasonable understanding of these verses in the context under which John is writing is that they refer to Rome and its system of emperor-worship.

 

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 18

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come.

11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power--and the earth was lit up with his radiance.

2 And he cried out with a loud voice: Babylon the Great is utterly destroyed, and become the habitation of devils, and the place of every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the wrath of her (spiritual and sexual) immorality; and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; and the merchants of the earth have waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying: Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you do not receive her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double it--yes, double it again, according to her deeds! Give her twice what she gave others to drink!

7 How much she glorified herself, and lived luxuriously--so give her torment and sorrow in return! For she said to herself, “I reign as a Queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow!”

8 Therefore, her plagues shall come forth in one day--death, mourning, and famine; and she will be utterly burned up with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.

9 And the kings of the earth who have committed fornication with her shall bewail her, and grieve for her when they see the smoke of her burning,

10 As they stand afar off for the fear of her torment, saying: Alas! Alas! That great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment is come!

11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their wares anymore.

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all your wood, and all sorts of vessels of ivory, and all manner of vessels of most precious wood, and brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and perfume, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and animals, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men,

14 And the fruits that your soul lusted after are departed from you--and all the things that were dainty and delicious are gone from you, and you shall not find them again.

15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying: Alas! Alas! That great city that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls!

17 For in one hour all these great riches have come to naught. And every ship captain, and all the men in ships, and sailors, and as many as who made their living by the trade of the sea, stood afar off,

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning: What city is like this great city?!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying: Alas! Alas! For that great city that made everyone rich who had a ship to trade with her because of her wealth--in one hour, she is made desolate!

20 Rejoice over her collapse, you in heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her.

21 And a mighty angel took up a great rock like a millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying: Thus, with violence, shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall never be found again.

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning: What city is like this great city?!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying: Alas! Alas! For that great city that made everyone rich who had a ship to trade with her because of her wealth--in one hour, she is made desolate!

20 Rejoice over her, you in heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her.

21 And a mighty angel took up a great rock like a millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying: Thus, with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall never be found again.

22 And the sound of harpers, musicians, and pipers, and trumpeters shall be heard no more in you! And no craftsman, regardless of his trade, shall ever be seen in you again; and the sound of a stone grinding grain will never be heard in you either.

23 And the light of a candle shall never shine in you at all; and the voice of a bridegroom and a bride shall never be heard in you again, for your merchants were the great men of the earth; and by your sorceries were all nations deceived.

24 And in her was found the blood of the prophets, and of the righteous, and of all who were slain upon the earth.

 

 

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19

1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

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.

3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

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.

9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;1

18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

1 And after these things I heard the thunderous voice of a multitude in heaven, saying: Hallelujah! Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power to the Lord our God!

2 For true and righteous are His punishments, for He has judged the Great Prostitute that corrupted the earth with her (spiritual and sexual) adulteries! He has avenged the blood of His servants that she shed with her own hands!

3 And again they cried: Hallelujah! And the smoke of the Prostitute ascended up forever and ever.

4 And the twenty-four elders, and the four beasts, fell on their faces and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying: Amen! Hallelujah!

5 And a voice came forth from the throne, saying: Praise our God, all you servants, and those who fear Him, both insignificant and mighty!

6 And I heard what sounded like a great multitude that sounded like the roar of many waterfalls and the crash of many thunderings, saying: Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready!

8 And to the Bride was granted that she should be dressed in fine linen, pure and white, representing the godly deeds of the righteous.

9 And (the angel) said to me: Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb! Then he added: These are the true sayings of God!

10 And I fell at his feet to do obeisance, but he said to me: Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant of God with you, and with your brethren who know and live out the testimony of Jesus! Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the (revelation) of all that prophecy pointed to!

11 And I saw heaven revealed, and there was a white horse, the rider of which was called Faithful and True--and in righteousness does he judge and make war!

12 His eyes were as flaming fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written that no man, other than himself, knew.

13 And he was clothed in a cloak dipped in blood, and his name is: The Word of God!

14 And the armies of heaven followed him upon white horses, and they were clothed in fine linen, clean and white.

15 And out of his mouth goes a razor sharp sword for him to smite the (pagan) nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; and he treads upon the winepress of the fierce wrath of Almighty God!

16 And upon his cloak and thigh is written a name: King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun who cried out to the fowls that fly in the midst of the heavens: Come! Gather together for the supper of the Great God,

18 That you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty warriors…that you may eat the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, slave and free, and small and great!

19 And I saw the Behemoth, and the rulers of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and upon his army.

20 And the Behemoth was taken, and with him the False Prophet who wrought miracles before him, with which he had deceived those who received the Mark of the Behemoth, and those who did obeisance to his idol. These two were cast alive into the Lake of Fire that burns with brimstone.

21 And the rest were slain by the sword of himwho sat upon the horse with the sword that came out of his mouth--and all the birds gorged upon their flesh.

 

 

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 20

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.1

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.2 This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

1 Then I saw an angel come down from heaven with the key to the Bottomless Pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

3 And then cast him into the Bottomless Pit, and shut him up, and put a seal upon him, so he could not deceive the nations until a thousand years be fulfilled. After that, he would be let out for a short time.

4 And I saw thrones, and people sat in them, and authority to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Message of God, and those who had not worshipped the Behemoth, or his image, nor had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands. These all resurrected and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years had passed. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he who has a part in the first resurrection. On these, the second death has no power. But they shall be the priests of God and Christ, and shall reign with him for a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years pass, Satan shall be released from his prison,

8 And he shall go forth to deceive the nations on the four quarters of the earth--Gog and Magog--to gather them to battle. There are so many there that their number is like the sand of the sea!

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and encompassed the camp of the righteous, and the beloved city--but fire came down from God in heaven, and consumed them.

10 And the devil who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the Behemoth and False Prophet are, and they shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat upon it, at whose face the earth and heavens fled away--and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, great and small, stand before God, and the scrolls were unrolled, and another scroll was unrolled, which was the Scroll of Life. And the dead were judged out of the things written in the scrolls, according to their deeds.

13 And the sea gave up the dead in it, and death and Sheol delivered up the dead who were in them--and every man was judged according to his deeds.

14 And death and Sheol were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death.

15 And whoever was not found written in the Scroll of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

1. The author is among those who believe there will be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth, before the start of eternity. I won't go into the usual arguments for that, but I will give one argument no one has brought up before: If there is no Millennial Kingdom prior to the Last Judgment and eternity, that will mean that mankind, throughout the entirety of its history from the Garden of Eden to the White Throne judgment, will never have experienced human sexuality as God meant for it to be. Instead, man will only have known the perverted sexual drive fathered by Satan. This position is untenable in my view.

2. Those who deny a literal 1000-year reign of Christ must ignore or pervert this verse to uphold that doctrine.

 

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,1 and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

1 And I saw new heavens and a new earth, for the first heavens and earth had passed away. There was also no more sea.

2 And I, John, saw the holy city--new Jerusalem--coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying: Behold! The tabernacle of God is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and “God with them” shall be their God!

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed away!

5 And He who sat upon the throne said: Behold! I recreate all things! And he said to me: Write--for these words are true and faithful!

6 And He said to me: It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end. I will give freely the fountain of the water of Life to anyone who is thirsty.

7 him who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son.

8 But the fearful, the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, whoremongers, (drug-dealers), idolaters, and all liars will have their part in the lake of fire that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

9 And one of the seven angels that had the seven vials full of the last seven plagues came to me, and said: Come here--I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife!

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city--the holy Jerusalem--descending out of heaven from God,

11 Having the radiance of God--and her light was like a very precious stone, even like a jasper stone that was clear as crystal.

12 And it had a great high wall, with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the twelve gates. And each gate had a name of one of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates, the north three gates, the south three gates, and the west three gates.

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

16 And the city is a square, with its length as long as its breadth. So he measured the city with the reed and it was fourteen hundred miles. Its length, breadth and height are all fourteen hundred miles.

17 And he measured its wall, which was two hundred and sixteen feet, the angel using a human measurement of eighteen inches per cubit.

18 And the building of its wall was of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

19 And the foundations of the city wall were decorated with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second sapphire; the third chalcedony; the fourth emerald;

20 The fifth sardonyx; the sixth sardius; the seventh chrysolite; the eighth beryl; the ninth topaz; the tenth chrysoprasus; the eleventh jacinth; the twelfth amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each gate was made of one pearl. And the streets of the city were pure gold like transparent glass.

22 And I saw no Temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb, are the Temple of the city!

23 And the city had no need for the sun or the moon to shine in it, for the radiance of God lights it, and the Lamb is that light.

24 And the nations of those that are saved shall walk in the light of it, and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.

25 And its gates shall not be shut by day, for there is no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.

27 And nothing that defiles, or that which works an abomination, or makes a lie--but only they whose names are written in the Lamb’s Scroll of Life shall enter it.

 1. In the author’s opinion, this awesome verse indicates that at the end of time, the dimension of heaven will actually merge with the physical universe, creating a perfect harmony of the physical and spiritual worlds in some manner we cannot even begin to fathom. With everything re-created in this manner, there will no longer be a need for either an earthly or heavenly “Temple” and propitiary intercession and service for fallen man. Christ will no longer have to intercede for humanity, for everything will exist in a state of divine perfection, with the Spirit indwelling and sanctifying all creation. It should also be noted that the earliest texts of Revelation are worded along the lines of the paraphrased verse, saying “God with them shall be their God,” and the author has gone with this earlier rendering because it seems to hearken back to Jesus as Immanuel (“God with us”), and is yet another good proof text for the deity of Christ.

 

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

7 Behold, I come quickly:1 blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments,2 that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs,3 and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb.

2 In the midst of its main thoroughfare, and on either side of the river, was the Tree of Life, which has twelve sorts of fruits, and gives fruit every month; and the tree’s leaves are for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse (upon creation), but the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him.

4 And they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5 And there will be no night there; and they need no candle, neither the light from the sun, for the Lord God gives them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.

6 And the angel said to me: These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things that must shortly happen.

7 Behold, I come in a flash! Blessed is he who keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

8 And I, John, saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that had showed me these things.

9 Then the angel said to me: Don’t do that! For I am your fellow servant, and the fellow servant of your brethren, the prophets, and of those who keep the sayings of this book. Worship God!

10 And he said to me: Don’t seal up the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the epoch is at hand.

11 He that is unjust--let him stay that way! He who is filthy--let him stay filthy! And he who is righteous--let him remain righteous. And he who is holy--let him remain holy!

12 Behold! I come in a flash, and my reward is with me, to give every man according to his deeds!

13 I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last!

14 Blessed are they who wash their robes, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter through the gates of the city.

15 For outside of it are dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, idolaters, and whoever loves and makes a lie.

16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify of these things to you in the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star!

17 And the Spirit and the Bride say: “Come!” And let he who understands say: “Come!” And let he who is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of Life freely.

18 For I testify to every man who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If he adds anything to these things written, God will add to him the plagues in this book.

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Scroll of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things written in this book.

20 He who testifies these things says: Surely I come in a flash! Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus!

 

1. “Quickly,” often in the epistle, does not denote when, but how Christ will be returning.

2. The best manuscripts have “Wash their robes”--referring back to Rev. 7:14--rather than “Do His commandments.” There are also theological issues with rendering the verse as the KJV does.

3. Some claim that, "Jesus never mentioned homosexuality." He didn't mention incest and bestiality, also forbidden in Leviticus. But here is where He appears to mention homosexuality, even using a "homophobic slur" ("dogs") from the Old Testament. Now while some try to force a narrow "man-boy" pederastic or male prostitute definition upon some verses denouncing homosexuality, neither Greek nor Hebrew had a specific word for homosexual, and dog, for instance, was the only word Jews could have colloquially used for it as the word was descriptive of immoral and Lawless people, fitting most Gentiles. (Likewise, the Greek words were the sorts that had to be used since there was no specific word otherwise.) Jesus, speaking in warning as a Jew to a Jew, would have known only one use for the word "dog" in a grave context of sin: homosexuality. So while the word was a slur for Gentiles, as they may enter the Kingdom, He must be referring to (unrepentant) homosexuals.

Had Paul written this, we might debate whether it could be referring to Cynic philosophers or hedonistic, unruly people, but given it is John, and given it is a warning to all of us in all ages, there is no warrant to go beyond the word's colloquial use in the Jewish culture John and Christ were from, rather than Paul's Greco-Roman culture. When we note this is a grave warning to a specific group of unrepentant sinners, against whom a derisive cultural slur is directed toward, only homosexuality really fits the context.

 

 

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