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.

REVELATION 16:5KJV
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Revelation 16:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 16:5 mean?

Revelation 16:5 describes an angel declaring that God is righteous and eternal—He is the One who exists, who has always existed, and who will always exist—because God has judged justly. The verse highlights God’s fairness and His unchanging nature in the midst of judgment.

In this scene, John hears the "angel of the waters" speak, praising God’s character as He pours out judgment during the vision of the seven bowls. The angel’s words underline that God’s actions are not random or cruel, but are the right response to evil. The focus is on God’s timeless justice and His authority over creation, even as He brings about difficult events.

The Greek behind Revelation 16:5

  • δίκαιος (dikaios, "righteous"): This word means just, upright, or morally right. The angel is emphasizing that God’s judgments are not only powerful but also perfectly fair.
  • ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐσόμενος (ho ōn kai ho ēn kai ho esomenos, "which art, and wast, and shalt be"): This phrase stresses God’s eternal existence—He is, He was, and He will be. It reminds the reader that God’s nature does not change over time.
  • κρίνω (krinō, "judged"): The Greek word here carries the sense of making a decision or rendering a verdict. The angel is saying that God’s decision to judge is both deliberate and justified.

Why Revelation 16:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgments, even when severe, are rooted in His righteousness and not in arbitrary anger or malice.
  • The angel’s praise connects God’s eternal nature with His actions, showing that God’s justice is consistent throughout all ages.
  • By highlighting the "angel of the waters," the verse ties the judgment specifically to the area affected (the waters), showing that God’s authority extends over every part of creation.

Where else these words appear

“art” Greek G3801 · used in 5 verses

  • Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
  • Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
  • Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

“be” 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;

“waters” Greek G5204 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
  • Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: