Revelation 15:6

Rev 15:6 . These heavenly beings are magnificent creatures, robed in gold and light (a Hellenic conception, Dieterich, 38 f.) and linen (to denote their honourable and sacred office: so the scribe of judgment, Eze 9:2 , and the angel in Dan 10:5 ; Dan 12:6 ). Plutarch ( de Iside , 3, 4) explains that the linen surplice was affected by Egyptian votaries of Isis for religious reasons; e.g. , the bright smiling colour of flax, its freedom from lice, and the smooth, cleanly material it yielded.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Which was in old time a sign of the kingly or princely dignity.

That is, girding was a sign of diligence, and the girdle of gold was a sign of sincerity and trustiness in taking in charge the commandments of God.

That is, commandments to inflict those seven plagues. Here is the figure called Metonymy.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

having--So B reads. But A and C, read "who have": not that they had them yet (compare Rev 15:7), but they are by anticipation described according to their office.

linen--So B reads. But A, C, and Vulgate, "a stone." On the principle that the harder reading is the one least likely to be an interpolation, we should read, "a stone pure ('and' is omitted in A, B, C, and ANDREAS), brilliant" (so the Greek): probably the diamond. With English Version, compare Act 1:10; Act 10:30.

golden girdles--resembling the Lord in this respect (Rev 1:13).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 6. The seven angels came out of the temple] To show that they were sent from God himself.

Clothed in pure and white linen] Habited as priests. For these habits see Ex 28:6; Ex 28:8; and See Clarke on Re 1:13.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(6) And the seven angels . . .—Better, And there came out the seven angels who had the seven plagues from the temple, clothed in linen, pure, glistening, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles. The temple is the inner shrine, or sanctuary; it was this which was measured (Rev_11:1); it was out of this that the angel with the sharp sickle came for the vintage of the earth (Rev_14:7); out of this now came the seven angels with the seven plagues. It is well to remember this, for these plagues are not, like the judgments of the trumpet, calls to repentance; they are plagues on those who have refused to return, who have rejected the sanctuary, the tabernacle of witness, which the Lord pitched among men, and who have refused, like obstinate builders, the stone which has become the head of the corner. Out of the rejected temple the angels of wrath come; it is ever true that out of rejected mercies the heaviest of plagues are forged. The angels are clad in a garb resembling that of Christ (Rev_1:13); they are come forth to do His bidding; they are clothed in raiment which indicates their righteous errand. (Comp. Rev_19:8; Act_1:10; Act_10:30.) Instead of linen, some MSS. have “a stone:” the angels, according to this, were “clad in a stone, pure, brilliant.” There is a parallel thought in Ezekiel, who describes the splendour of the King of Tyre: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond,” &c. (Eze_28:13).

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

6. having] We should probably read “which had”: we see in Rev_15:7 that they did not come out having them.

white] More accurately, bright.

linen] R. V. “arrayed with precious stone, pure and bright” following a strange reading “stone” (the Greek word differs only by one letter), which is very strongly attested. If it be right, the nearest parallel is Eze_28:13—where, comparing the next two verses, it seems as though the human “king of Tyrus” were identified with a fallen Angel, perhaps the patron of the city. Therefore these holy Angels may be here described as clothed in glory like his before his fall.

their breasts] As in Rev_1:13, where see note.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And the seven angels came out of the temple,.... By which it appears, that they are such who are of, or belong to the church of Christ; and are either ministers, or members of churches, who will be the executioners of God's wrath upon the beast, and his followers; some copies, and the Complutensian edition, read, "out of heaven":

having the seven plagues; that is, they were appointed to inflict them, and were preparing and furnishing for it, and quickly had orders to do it:

clothed in pure and white linen; in which habit angels have been used to appear, as at our Lord's resurrection and ascension, and is by some thought to be expressive of the purity and holiness of angels; but rather saints are meant, who appear in the habit of priests, being all made kings and priests; and denotes their being clothed with the pure and spotless robe of Christ's righteousness, which is fine linen, clean and white, and the righteousness of the saints, Rev 19:8 and also their spiritual joy in their present situation, and in the view of the destruction of antichrist, their sackcloth being put off, in which they, the witnesses, before appeared. So the linen garment of the high priest was, as Philo the Jew says (n), made of "fine linen", "most pure". The Alexandrian copy, and some copies of the Vulgate Latin version, and some exemplars mentioned by Andreas Caesariensis, an ancient commentator on this book, read, "clothed with a stone, pure and white"; as if they were arrayed in garments of stone, which is not likely; unless reference is had to the stone asbestos, of an iron colour, found, as Pliny says (o), in the mountains of Arcadia, of which linen was made, called "asbestinum", and of that garments; which were so far from being consumed by fire, that they became clean and brighter by it; or to the Carystian stone, which the inhabitants of Carystus used to comb, spin, and weave, and make carpets of (p).

And having their breasts girded with golden girdles; such an one as Christ himself was girded with, Rev 1:13 and this some understand of the love, which the breasts of angels are filled with towards the saints, and their readiness to perform all good offices to them, and to execute the judgments of God upon their enemies, whenever they have orders: but since these angels come out of the temple, and members of Gospel churches seem designed, rather this is to be understood either of the grace of faith, which is much more precious than of gold that perisheth, which receives the righteousness of Christ, puts it on, and girds it about the believer; or of love, the love of God and Christ, which encompass the saints about, and constrain them, and engage them in fervent love to them, and one another: or of the girdle of truth, Eph 6:14 which is near and close to them, and which keeps them close to Christ; nor can they depart totally and finally from him, or that; or in general, this may denote their strength and readiness for what service they shall be called to; see Luk 12:35.

(n) De Somniis, p. 597. (o) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 10. (p) Pancirol, rer. memorab. par. 1. tit. 4. & Salmuth in ib. Plin. l. 19. c. 1. Turueb. Adversar. l. 23. c. 1. Schotti Thaumaturg, l. 2. sect. 10. p. 118.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

Ver. 6. Clothed in pure] Habited as holy priests.

With golden girdles] Here an interpreter gives this note, that they which are lewd and vicious, though never so wise, political, rich, and valiant, shall not be God’s instruments to plague Antichrist and his kingdom. (Mr Bernard.) This their priestly apparel showeth also how that these angels come forth in the Church’s cause, and for her sake, without any by and sinister respect. They are all of them sincere professors of the truth of Christ, their breasts girded with the golden girdles of truth.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And the seven angels - See the notes on Rev 15:1.

Came out of the temple - Were seen to come from the temple; that is, from the immediate presence of God.

Having the seven plagues - See the notes on Rev 15:1. Each one entrusted with a single “plague” to be executed upon the earth. The meaning here is, that they were designated or appointed to execute those plagues in judgments. The symbols of their office - the golden vials - were given to them afterward, Rev 15:7.

Clothed in pure and white linen - The emblem of holiness - the common representation in regard to the heavenly inhabitants. See the notes on Rev 3:4; Rev 7:13. Compare Mat 17:2; Luk 9:29; Mar 16:5.

And having their breasts girded with golden girdles - See the notes on Rev 1:13. The meaning is, that they were attired in a manner befitting their rank and condition.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

And the seven angels; the seven ministers of God’s vengeance on antichrist, to whom the vials were given.

Came out of the temple; that is, out of the tabernacle of the testimony; for in Moses’s tabernacle there was only this inward court for the priests, the people worshipped without. They came (as the high priest was wont) out of the oracle to bring God’s answer to all his saints’ prayers.

Having the seven plagues: the answer was seven plagues, that is, that God had employed them to bring seven plagues successively upon the antichristian party, and all the enemies of his church, till by them they should be consumed.

Clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles; these angels came in the habit of high priests, when they went in to inquire of God, or came out with an answer from God.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

6. Seven angels—The number, sacredly assigned, of the divine ministers of judgment on Babylon.

The temple—The very citadel of Christ’s capital: the inmost residence of the hostile forces against the antichristic citadel.

Having the seven plagues—Said here to designate their assigned ministries, though the seven… vials are not given them until the next verse.

Clothed—Arrayed in the priestly vestments, for theirs is a holy office, the bloody sacrifice of the enemies of God.

Pure and white linen— The sacred antithesis of the “scarlet” of the harlot. The rendering here then would be, Decked with a clear and brilliant stone.

Golden girdles— Girdles, to signify preparedness for their ministry; golden, to show its rich and royal nature. Note on Rev_1:13.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues; there came out the seven angels that had, etc. These angels are distinguished from the other angels only by the fact that they bore the seven plagues. These they have not yet, but they receive them directly after. The phrase is added here to distinguish the angels meant. These angels have once before (ver. 1) been described in the same manner.

Clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. Linon , "linen," is found in a, B, P, 7, 14, 97, Andreas, Primasius. Liyon , precious "stone," is read in A, C, 38 (margin), 48, 90, Vulgate. It seems more probable that liyon is the correct word; for in no other place in the New Testament is linon found except in Mat_12:20, where it signifies "flax;" while the ordinary word for linen, viz. bussov or bussinov , is found in Rev_18:12, Rev_18:16, and Rev_19:8, Rev_19:14, as well as in Luk_16:19. If linon be the correct reading, the image is perhaps suggested by the priestly garments. (cf. Exo_28:42, and vide infra) For the idea of "clothed in precious stone," the LXX reading of Eze_28:13 is usually quoted. We may refer also to the stones of the high priest"s breastplate, and to the description in Rev_17:4. And having their breasts girded with golden girdles. (cf. the vision of our Lord Rev_1:13, and the priestly attire described in Exo_28:8)

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And the seven angels came out of the temple - As having received their instructions from the oracle of God himself. St. John saw them in heaven, verse 1, chap. xv, 1 before they went into the temple. They appeared in habits like those the high priest wore when he went into the most holy place to consult the oracle. In this was the visible testimony of God's presence. Clothed in pure white linen - Linen is the habit of service and attendance. Pure - unspotted, unsullied. White - Or bright and shining, which implies much more than bare innocence. And having their breasts girt with golden girdles - In token of their high dignity and glorious rest.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

angels

(See Scofield "Heb 1:4")

The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

6. And the seven angels. The angels mentioned in verse 1. Arrayed with precious stone, pure and bright (Revision). Probably precious stones covered their garments like those of the robe of the high priest. They come out of the temple as priests of destruction.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

6. λίνον καθαρόν. So Text. Rec[508], Tisch[509] and Weiss with P; Lach[510] Treg[511] W. H[512] (text) read λίθον καθαρὸν with AC am[513] fu[514]; א Primas[515] cod. flor[516] have καθαροὺς λινοῦς. W. H[517] suggest λινοῦν with B2.

[508] Rec. Textus Receptus as printed by Scrivener.

[509] Tischendorf: eighth edition; where the text aud notes differ the latter are cited.

[510] Lachmann’s larger edition.

[511] Tregelles.

[512] H. Westcott aud Hort.

[513] Codex Amiatinus 6th century in Laurentian Library at Florence.

[514] Codex Fuldensis 6th century at Fulda.

[515] Primasius, edited by Haussleiter.

[516] flor. Codex Toletanus 10th century at Madrid.

[517] H. Westcott aud Hort.

6. οἱ ἔχοντες. The phrase describes their office: we see in the next verse that they did not come out having them.

ἐνδεδυμένοι λίνον καθαρὸν λαμπρόν. See crit. note for the evidence for λίθον. If this strange reading be right, the nearest parallel is Eze 28:13—where comparing the next two verses, it seems as though the human “king of Tyrus” were identified with a fallen Angel, perhaps the patron of the city. Therefore these holy Angels may be here described as clothed in glory like his before his fall. In choosing between the alternative readings, little weight is due to the fact that in other Greek prose λίνον means flax, not linen, less to the probability that most writers would have preferred the plural to the singular. It may have a little weight that white linen, Rev 19:8, is itself a splendid dress, and that golden girdles would be more in place on it than on robes jewelled all over. On the other hand, everywhere else in this Book linen is βύσσινον.

περὶ τὰ στήθη. As in Rev 1:13, where see note.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Linen [λινον] . The Rev. follows the reading liqon stone, after the analogy of Eze 28:13, "Every precious stone was thy covering." The idea is that of raiment studded with precious stones. See on ch. Rev 2:17.

White [λαυπρον] . Mostly applied in the New Testament to clothing, as Luk 23:11; Act 10:30; Jas 2:2. Also to the water of life (ch. 22 1), and the morning - star (ch. 22 16). Rev., bright.

Girt round their breasts. As the Lord in the vision of Rev 1:13; where, however, mastoiv paps is used instead of sthqh breasts.

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.