New Testament
Revelation 16:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Pay attention — I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays alert and keeps his clothes ready, so he won't be caught walking naked and exposed to shame."
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Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
What Revelation 16:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns that His return will be sudden and unexpected, much like a thief who comes in the night. The call to 'stay alert' emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times. The imagery of keeping one's clothes ready symbolizes living a life of righteousness and vigilance, avoiding shame and disgrace. The 'blessed' individual is one who remains watchful and maintains their spiritual integrity, ensuring they are not caught off guard when Christ returns. This verse serves as a reminder of the urgency of faithfulness and the need to be ready for the Lord's coming, as it can happen at any moment. The reference to being 'naked' and exposed highlights the consequences of spiritual negligence, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their commitment to God and His teachings.
How to apply Revelation 16:15 to your life
To apply this verse, we should cultivate a habit of spiritual vigilance in our daily lives. This means regularly engaging in prayer, studying scripture, and living out our faith actively. By doing so, we prepare ourselves for Christ's return and avoid the shame of being unprepared.
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Keep studying Revelation 16:15
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 16:15 mean?
Revelation 16:15 warns that Jesus' return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night. It emphasizes the need for spiritual readiness and vigilance, encouraging believers to live righteously to avoid shame.
What is the significance of being 'alert' in Revelation 16:15?
Being 'alert' in Revelation 16:15 signifies the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times. It reminds believers to maintain their faith and integrity to be ready for Christ's unexpected return.
What does 'keep his clothes ready' mean in Revelation 16:15?
'Keep his clothes ready' in Revelation 16:15 symbolizes living a life of righteousness and vigilance. It suggests that believers should be prepared and not caught off guard when Jesus returns.
Why does Revelation 16:15 mention shame?
Revelation 16:15 mentions shame to highlight the consequences of spiritual negligence. It serves as a warning that being unprepared for Christ's return can lead to embarrassment and disgrace.
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