Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Revelation 15:4 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the vision John received on the island of Patmos, within the scene of the song sung by those who had overcome the beast and his image. Standing on a sea of glass with harps, they sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, praising God for His great and marvelous deeds, His just and true ways, and His identity as King of the nations. This song occurs just before the pouring out of the final seven plagues, known as the bowl judgments.

Meaning

The verse opens with a rhetorical question: “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?” The fear here is not terror or dread, but reverential awe and respect for God’s majesty, power, and holiness. The question implies that everyone should fear and glorify the Lord, especially as His judgments are about to be revealed.

The phrase “for thou only art holy” emphasizes God’s absolute holiness—His moral perfection, purity, and separation from sin. This holiness is unique and without comparison, and it is the foundation for the worship He deserves.

The verse continues, “for all nations shall come and worship before thee.” This points to a future, worldwide worship of God, where every nation will bow before Him. This universal worship is directly connected to the revelation of God’s righteous acts and judgments, which are made manifest—made evident and visible for all to see.

Biblical connections

This expectation of universal worship echoes Psalm 86:9, which expresses the same hope that all nations shall come and worship before the Lord and glorify His name. The rhetorical question in Revelation 15:4 also recalls Jeremiah 10:7, which asks who would not fear the King of nations. These Old Testament passages clarify the prophetic expectation that Revelation 15:4 declares is being fulfilled.

Application

For believers, this verse calls us to live in reverential awe of God, honoring His holiness and glorifying His name in all aspects of life. It also gives assurance that God’s judgments are righteous and will ultimately bring justice, punish wickedness, and establish His kingdom. Recognizing God’s holiness should inspire reverence, obedience, and confident worship, even as we await the fulfillment of His purposes.

Reflection

Revelation 15:4 reminds us that God alone is holy and worthy of praise from every nation. As we see His judgments and deeds revealed, we join the song of the redeemed, declaring that He is the King of the nations and that all will come and worship before Him.