Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

REVELATION 7:15KJV
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Revelation 7:15 (KJV)

What does Revelation 7:15 mean?

Revelation 7:15 describes a group of people who stand before God’s throne, serving Him continually in His temple, while God Himself is present among them. The verse highlights their close relationship with God and their ongoing worship and service in His presence.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where a great multitude stands before God after being delivered from hardship. This verse explains why they are honored: they are now in God’s presence, serving Him day and night, and God “dwells among them,” showing a special closeness and protection. The scene emphasizes both the privilege of being near God and the joy of serving Him directly.

The Greek behind Revelation 7:15

  • The word “serve” (λατρεύω, latreuō) means to perform sacred service or worship, often used for priestly or temple service. Here it stresses the idea that these people are continually worshiping God in a dedicated, priestly way.
  • The phrase “dwell among them” uses σκηνόω (skēnoō), which means to pitch a tent or tabernacle. This word often carries the sense of God’s special presence living with His people, echoing Old Testament imagery of God dwelling with Israel in the tabernacle.
  • “Day and night” (ἡμέρα, hēmera; νύξ, nyx) highlights the unending, tireless nature of their service, showing that their worship is constant and uninterrupted.

Why Revelation 7:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the people before God’s throne are not passive; they are actively serving and worshiping, which shows their honored role and purpose in God’s presence.
  • The language of God “dwelling among them” connects this vision to earlier biblical promises about God living with His people, reinforcing the idea of restored relationship and closeness.
  • Revelation 7:15 helps set the tone for the following verses, which describe the blessings and protection these people receive, making clear that their suffering has ended and they now enjoy God’s presence forever.

Where else these words appear

“dwell” Greek G4637 · used in 5 verses

  • John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
  • Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
  • Revelation 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

“serve” Greek G3000 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
  • Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“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.

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
  • Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,