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 16:5KJVWhat 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.