Revelation 7:15

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 7:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.
Revelation 7:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore are they before the throne of God, etc.] (See Gill on “<660709>Revelation 7:9”); not because of their great tribulations, but because they were brought through them, and out of them, by the grace and power of God; nor because of their robes, or conversation garments, but because those were washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb; or because of the blood of the Lamb, and their justification, pardon, and cleansing by it: and serve him day and night in his temple; not in any material temple, but in the new Jerusalem, the general assembly and church of the firstborn, the temple of the living God; for in this state there will be no material temple, or place of worship, but God…”
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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
“Therefore--because they are so washed white; for without it they could never have entered God's holy heaven; Rev 22:14, "Blessed are those who wash their robes (the oldest manuscripts reading), that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city"; Rev 21:27; Eph 5:26-27. before--Greek, "in the presence of." Mat 5:8; Co1 13:12, "face to face." throne . . . temple--These are connected because we can approach the heavenly King only through priestly mediation; therefore, Christ is at once King and Priest on His throne. day and night--that is, perpetually; as those approved of as priests by the Sanhedrim were clothed in white, and kept by turns a…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore are they before the throne of God - The reason why they are there is to be traced to the fact that the Lamb shed his blood to make expiation for sin. No other reason can be given why anyone of the human race is in heaven; and that is reason enough why any of that race are there. And serve him day and night in his temple - That is, continually or constantly. Day and night constitute the whole of time, and this expression, therefore, denotes constant and uninterrupted service. On earth, toil is suspended by the return of night, and the service of God is intermitted by the necessity of rest; in heaven, as there will be no weariness, there will be no need of intermission, and the…”
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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
“Therefore - Because they came out of great affliction, and have washed their robes in his blood. Are they before the throne - It seems, even nearer than the angels. And serve him day and night - Speaking after the manner of men; that is, continually. In his temple - Which is in heaven. And he shall have his tent over them - Shall spread his glory over them as a covering. Revelation 7:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:15 serve him day and night: Service to God is the continual duty of Christians. • God’s Temple symbolizes his presence (also 11:19; cp. 21:22).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“are: Rev 4:4, Rev 14:3-5; Heb 8:1, Heb 12:2 serve: Rev 20:10, Rev 22:5; Psa 134:1, Psa 134:2 dwell: Rev 21:3, Rev 21:4, Rev 22:3; Exo 29:45; Kg1 6:13; Ch1 23:25; Psa 68:16-18; Isa 4:5, Isa 4:6; Joh 1:14; Co1 3:16; Co2 6:16 Revelation 7:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification