New Testament
Revelation 16:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus warns that His return will be sudden and unexpected, much like a thief who comes in the night.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
"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."
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related preparedness.
Related Bible verses
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.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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