And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

REVELATION 15:5KJV
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Revelation 15:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 15:5 mean?

Revelation 15:5 describes John seeing a vision where the temple—specifically called "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony"—in heaven is opened. This signals that something important and sacred is about to be revealed or take place, connected to God’s presence and testimony.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing what he sees in a vision given to him while exiled on the island of Patmos. The phrase "temple of the tabernacle of the testimony" refers to the heavenly counterpart of the ancient tabernacle, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and symbolized God's dwelling and faithfulness. This moment comes just before the final plagues are introduced, marking a turning point in the vision.

The Greek behind Revelation 15:5

  • ναός (naos, "temple"): This word refers to the innermost sanctuary, not just any temple building, highlighting the sacredness of what is being opened.
  • σκηνή (skēnē, "tabernacle"): This term points back to the portable sanctuary used by Israel in the wilderness, emphasizing God’s presence and covenant relationship.
  • μαρτυρία (martyria, "testimony"): This word means "witness" or "testimony," and here it likely refers to the law or covenant stored in the Ark, underlining the idea of God’s promises and standards being central to what is about to happen.
  • ἠνεῴγη (ēneōichthē, "was opened"): The Greek verb here is in the passive, showing that the opening is done by God, not by any human, which stresses the divine initiative in revealing what follows.

Why Revelation 15:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the events about to unfold are rooted in God’s holiness and faithfulness, not random acts, by connecting them to the imagery of the tabernacle and testimony.
  • The opening of the heavenly temple signals a major transition in the vision, preparing the reader for the introduction of the seven angels with the final plagues.
  • By using language tied to the Old Testament tabernacle, the verse connects the book of Revelation to the broader biblical story of God’s presence among his people and the seriousness of his promises.

Where else these words appear

“tabernacle” Greek G4633 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
  • Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

“testimony” Greek G3142 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Luke 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

“temple” Greek G3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
  • Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: