Revelation 15:2
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
I saw
G1492
εἶδον
I saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 39
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὡς
as it were
G5613
ὡς
as it were
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 39
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πυρί
with fire
G4442
πυρί
with fire
Strong's:
G4442
Word #:
7 of 39
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νικῶντας
them that had gotten the victory
G3528
νικῶντας
them that had gotten the victory
Strong's:
G3528
Word #:
10 of 39
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
ἐκ
and over
G1537
ἐκ
and over
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 39
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
and over
G1537
ἐκ
and over
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 39
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνος
image
G1504
εἰκόνος
image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
17 of 39
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 39
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
and over
G1537
ἐκ
and over
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
20 of 39
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χαράγματος
mark
G5480
χαράγματος
mark
Strong's:
G5480
Word #:
22 of 39
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 39
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐκ
and over
G1537
ἐκ
and over
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
24 of 39
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματος
name
G3686
ὀνόματος
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
28 of 39
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
29 of 39
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἑστῶτας
stand
G2476
ἑστῶτας
stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
30 of 39
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
31 of 39
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
34 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχοντας
having
G2192
ἔχοντας
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
36 of 39
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Revelation 4:6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.Revelation 12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.Revelation 5:8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Revelation 21:18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 15:2 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of ... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven angels with seven plagues - completion of god's wrath, moses and lamb's song employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.