Revelation 19:8

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 19:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Revelation 19:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, etc.] Or “Byssine”: the “Byssus”, of which fine linen is made, is said to grow on a tree, in height like to a poplar, and its leaves like a willow, and to be brought out of Judea into Egypt, which the Egyptians used in most of their holy things f426. A dress neat and modest, and not like the attire of the whore of Rome, (<661704>Revelation 17:4) and this is said to be clean and white, and is interpreted in the next clause: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints, or “righteousnesses”; not good works, or their own righteousness; for though these are evidences of faith, by which the saints are justified, and are what…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“granted--Though in one sense she "made herself ready," having by the Spirit's work in her put on "the wedding garment," yet in the fullest sense it is not she, but her Lord, who makes her ready by "granting to her that she be arrayed in fine linen." It is He who, by giving Himself for her, presents her to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, but holy and without blemish. It is He also who sanctifies her, naturally vile and without beauty, with the washing of water by the word, and puts His own comeliness on her, which thus becomes hers. clean and white--so ANDREAS. But A and B transpose. Translate, "bright and pure"; at once brilliantly splendid and spotless as in the bride herself.…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And to her was granted - It is not said here by whom this was granted, but it is perhaps implied that this was conferred by the Saviour himself on his bride. That she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white - See the notes on Revelation 3:4-5, Revelation 3:18; Revelation 7:13. White has, perhaps, in all countries been the usual color of the bridal dress - as an emblem of innocence. For the fine linen is the righteousness of saints - Represents the righteousness of the saints; or is an emblem of it. It should be remarked, however, that it is implied here, as it is everywhere in the Scriptures, that this is not their own righteousness, for it is said that this was “given” to the bride…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it is given to her - By God. The bride is all holy men, the whole invisible church. To be arrayed in fine linen, white and clean - This is an emblem of the righteousness of the saints - Both of their justification and sanctification. Revelation 19:9”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“19:8 finest . . . linen: See study note on 15:5-6. • the good deeds of God’s holy people: See Eph 2:8-10; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Jas 2:18-22.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to her: Rev 3:4, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:18; Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14; Isa 61:10; Eze 16:10; Mat 22:12; Rom 3:22; Rom 13:14; Eph 5:26, Eph 5:27 white: or, bright, Mat 17:2; Mar 9:3; Luk 24:4; Act 1:10 the fine: Rev 7:13, Rev 7:14; Psa 132:9 Revelation 19:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification