New Testament

Revelation 16:5

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 16:5, an angel speaks about God's righteousness in the context of divine judgment.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then I heard the angel who had authority over the waters say, "You are righteous, O LORD — you who are and who always were, the Holy One — because you have handed down this judgment.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 16:5, an angel speaks about God's righteousness in the context of divine judgment. The angel acknowledges God's eternal nature, referring to Him as the one who 'is, was, and will be.' This emphasizes God's unchanging character and authority over all creation, including the waters. The judgment mentioned is a response to the wickedness of humanity, highlighting that God's decisions are just and deserved. The angel's proclamation serves as a reminder that God's actions, even in judgment, are rooted in His holiness and righteousness. This verse reassures believers that God is in control and that His judgments are fair, reinforcing the idea that God’s authority is absolute and His moral standards are unwavering. The acknowledgment of God's righteousness also invites reflection on our own lives and the importance of aligning with His will, especially in times of trial and judgment.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 16:5 to your life

This verse encourages us to trust in God's righteousness, especially during difficult times. It reminds us that God's judgments are just and that we should strive to live in accordance with His will. Reflecting on God's eternal nature can strengthen our faith and guide our actions.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 16:5 mean?

Revelation 16:5 highlights God's righteousness in the context of His judgment. An angel declares that God is just and eternal, emphasizing that His decisions are fair and deserved in response to human wickedness.

What is the significance of the phrase 'you who are and who always were' in Revelation 16:5?

This phrase underscores God's eternal nature, affirming that He exists beyond time and is unchanging. It reinforces the idea that God's authority and righteousness are constant, regardless of human actions.

How does Revelation 16:5 relate to God's authority?

Revelation 16:5 illustrates God's supreme authority over creation, including the waters. The angel's proclamation emphasizes that God's judgments are rooted in His righteousness and reflect His ultimate control over all things.

What can we learn from Revelation 16:5?

From Revelation 16:5, we learn to trust in God's righteousness and justice, especially during challenging times. It encourages us to reflect on our lives and strive to align with God's will, knowing His judgments are fair.

Book Summary

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.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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