New Testament

Revelation 6:17

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 6:17, the text speaks of a significant moment when God's anger and judgment are fully revealed.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

For the great day of his wrath has come, and who shall be able to stand?

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 6:17, the text speaks of a significant moment when God's anger and judgment are fully revealed. This 'great day of his wrath' signifies a time of reckoning for humanity, where the consequences of sin and rebellion against God are laid bare. The question, 'who shall be able to stand?' highlights the fear and uncertainty that accompanies divine judgment. It suggests that in the face of God's power and holiness, no one can withstand His wrath without His mercy. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the day of judgment, as it will come unexpectedly and will be a time of great turmoil for those unprepared. Ultimately, it calls believers to reflect on their relationship with God and to seek His grace to stand firm in faith during challenging times.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 6:17 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our lives and our relationship with God. It reminds us of the importance of repentance and seeking His mercy. As we face challenges, we should strive to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's grace to sustain us through difficult times.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 6:17 mean?

Revelation 6:17 refers to a time when God's judgment is fully revealed, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the consequences that follow. It poses the question of who can withstand God's wrath, highlighting the need for His mercy.

What is the significance of 'the great day of his wrath' in Revelation 6:17?

The phrase 'the great day of his wrath' signifies a moment of divine judgment when God's anger against sin is fully expressed. It serves as a warning about the seriousness of human accountability and the urgency of repentance.

What does 'who shall be able to stand?' mean in Revelation 6:17?

The question 'who shall be able to stand?' reflects the fear and uncertainty during God's judgment. It suggests that without God's mercy, no one can withstand His wrath, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually prepared.

How does Revelation 6:17 relate to repentance?

Revelation 6:17 highlights the need for repentance by illustrating the consequences of sin during God's judgment. It serves as a reminder that seeking God's mercy is essential to withstand His wrath.

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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