Revelation 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Revelation 6:17 (KJV)

Context

The book of Revelation is a prophetic vision given to the apostle John on the island of Patmos. In this verse, the sixth seal is opened, revealing a series of judgments and the impending wrath of God upon the earth. The verse concludes the sixth seal vision with a declaration that the great day of wrath has come.

Meaning

The verse declares that “the great day of his wrath is come.” This refers to the future time of judgment and divine intervention when God’s righteous anger is poured out on the ungodly and evil in the world. It represents a time of reckoning and justice. The Greek word for “come” (ēlthen) is the same form used in Jude 14 with a futuristic meaning, suggesting the translation “the great day of their wrath is about to come.” The wrath is described as “their wrath” in many translations, referring to both Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb, in answer to the cry of the martyrs in Revelation 6:9-10.

The phrase “who shall be able to stand?” indicates the magnitude and severity of the coming judgment. It highlights the utter terror and fear that will grip the hearts of people during this time. No one will be able to escape or hide from the wrath of God. Albert Barnes notes that the threatening judgments would be so severe that people would suppose the end of the world was coming, and “who shall be able to stand” means to stand before Him or withstand His judgments.

Biblical connections

The question “who is able to stand?” is answered in Revelation chapter 7, where the 144,000 are sealed and the great multitude stands before the throne. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of the day of the Lord as a day of wrath, and Zephaniah similarly warns that the great day of the Lord is near. Psalm 76:7 asks who can stand before God once His anger is roused, reinforcing the same theme of human inability to withstand divine judgment.

Application

The question posed in the verse raises an important spiritual reflection. It emphasizes the need for individuals to be prepared and spiritually ready for the day of judgment. Only those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, repented of their sins, and received His salvation will be able to stand before God. Revelation 6:17 serves as a call to seek salvation in Christ and find refuge in Him. Through faith in Jesus, believers are reconciled with God and are made righteous by His grace. By trusting in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, believers can stand before God justified and protected from His wrath.

Although the verse speaks of the impending wrath of God, it also reminds us of God’s sovereignty and control over all things. The timing and execution of this judgment are entirely in His hands. God’s judgment is a necessary aspect of His righteous nature, and it serves to bring about justice and restore His creation.

Reflection

While Revelation 6:17 describes a time of great tribulation and judgment, it also provides encouragement for believers. Those who have placed their faith in Christ have the assurance of salvation and the promise of eternal life. In Christ, believers can find hope, peace, and security, even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.