New Testament

Revelation 7:1

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, John describes a vision where he sees four angels positioned at the four corners of the earth.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so that no wind would blow on the earth, the sea, or any tree.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, John describes a vision where he sees four angels positioned at the four corners of the earth. These angels are tasked with holding back the four winds, preventing any wind from blowing on the earth, sea, or trees. This imagery suggests a moment of stillness and control over nature, indicating that God has authority over the elements. The 'four corners' symbolize the entirety of the earth, emphasizing that this command affects all creation. The act of holding back the winds can be interpreted as a pause before significant events unfold, possibly relating to the judgments and events that follow in the book of Revelation. This moment of calm serves as a precursor to the divine actions that are about to take place, highlighting the power of God to intervene in the natural order.

Key themes

Divine authority

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 7:1 to your life

This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty over the world and nature. In our lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even during chaotic times. Trusting in His power can help us remain calm and focused on His plans.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 7:1 mean?

Revelation 7:1 describes a vision where four angels are positioned at the four corners of the earth, holding back the winds. This symbolizes God's control over nature and indicates a moment of stillness before significant events unfold.

What is the significance of the four angels in Revelation 7:1?

The four angels in Revelation 7:1 represent divine authority and protection over the earth. Their role in holding back the winds signifies God's power to intervene in the natural order and prepare for upcoming judgments.

What does 'four corners of the earth' symbolize in Revelation 7:1?

The phrase 'four corners of the earth' in Revelation 7:1 symbolizes the entirety of the world. It emphasizes that God's command affects all creation, highlighting His sovereignty over the entire earth.

Why are the winds being held back in Revelation 7:1?

In Revelation 7:1, the winds are held back to create a moment of calm before significant events occur. This pause signifies God's control and sets the stage for the judgments and actions that follow in the book of Revelation.

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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