Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

REVELATION 15:4KJV
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Revelation 15:4 (KJV)

What does Revelation 15:4 mean?

Revelation 15:4 describes a scene where all nations are pictured as coming before God in awe and worship, recognizing that only God is truly holy and that His judgments have been openly revealed. The verse highlights the universal recognition of God's holiness and justice, with everyone acknowledging His authority and glory.

In this part of Revelation, the apostle John is witnessing a vision in heaven, where those who have overcome evil are praising God. The verse is a song or declaration addressed directly to God, expressing wonder at His holiness and the fact that His righteous acts are now clear for all to see. The focus is on God’s unique character (“thou only art holy”) and the worldwide impact of His revealed judgments.

The Greek behind Revelation 15:4

  • ὅτι μόνος ὅσιος (hoti monos hosios): "for thou only art holy." The Greek word ὅσιος (hosios) often refers to being pure or set apart in a moral sense, emphasizing that God’s holiness is unique and unmatched.
  • ἐθνῶν (ethnōn): "nations." This word points to all peoples or groups outside of Israel, stressing the global scope of God’s worship and recognition.
  • ἐφανερώθησαν (ephanerōthēsan): "are made manifest." This word means to make something visible or clear, underlining that God’s judgments are no longer hidden but are now openly displayed for all to see.

Why Revelation 15:4 matters

  • Revelation 15:4 clarifies that God’s holiness is not just greater than others, but truly unique—He alone is holy in this absolute sense.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s justice is not secret or mysterious; His judgments are now visible and understandable to all nations.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Revelation of God’s ultimate victory and the universal acknowledgment of His authority, showing that worship and reverence for God will extend to every nation.

Where else these words appear

“holy” Greek G3741 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
  • Acts 13:35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
  • Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

“judgments” Greek G1345 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • Romans 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
  • Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

“come” Greek G2240 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
  • Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

“manifest” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
  • 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: