Revelation 15:4 — “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is part of the song sung by those who were faithful to God and overcame evil. It’s a response to seeing God’s greatness and justice. The question, “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name?” is a rhetorical one—it means that everyone should fear and honor God. It’s not a fear of being terrified, but a deep reverence, recognizing who God is and how worthy He is of respect, obedience, and praise.
The next line, “For you alone are holy,” is a bold declaration. No one else is like God. His purity, justice, mercy, and power are unmatched. To be “holy” means to be completely set apart—perfect in every way. God isn’t like us; He’s far above us, yet still personal and involved.
Then the song looks ahead to a time when “all nations will come and worship before you.” This is a promise of global worship. It’s pointing to a future where every group of people—every tribe, nation, and language—will bow before God and acknowledge His authority.
The reason for this worship? “Your righteous acts have been revealed.” In other words, God’s justice, power, and faithfulness have become undeniable. His actions—especially in judgment and salvation—are on full display for all to see.
Historical Context
At the time Revelation was written, Rome was the dominant power. Worship of the emperor was expected, and many Christians refused. They were seen as strange, even dangerous, because they wouldn’t go along with the culture’s gods or values. Many suffered deeply for their faith.
This verse would have been a powerful encouragement to early believers. It reminded them that while they were rejected by society, they served the one true God—who one day everyone would recognize as holy and worthy of worship.
Even though it looked like the world was winning, Revelation 15:4 promised that the story wasn’t over. God would be honored, justice would come, and truth would be revealed to all.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks to the universal reign of God. It doesn’t matter what nation or government is in power—God is above them all. Eventually, every nation will see Him for who He truly is and respond in worship.
It also teaches that holiness belongs to God alone. Human beings, even at their best, fall short. Only God is completely pure and perfect. That’s why only He deserves all glory.
Finally, this verse shows that worship is a response to revelation. When people see who God is—through His acts of justice, mercy, and power—they are moved to worship. God doesn’t force people to worship blindly; He reveals Himself, and people respond.
Literary Analysis
This verse is poetic and full of rhythm and repetition. The rhetorical question at the beginning draws in the listener—“Who will not fear you?” It builds a sense of awe and wonder. The phrase “you alone are holy” stands in the center, like a strong anchor in the middle of the verse.
The final line shifts the focus from individuals to the whole world: “All nations will come…” This moves the song from praise to prophecy—from declaring God’s holiness to describing the future of global worship.
The verse follows a pattern found in many worship songs in Scripture: it starts with praise, highlights God’s character, and ends with a vision of hope.
Cross-References
- Psalm 86:9 — “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.”
(A direct echo of this verse in the Old Testament.) - Isaiah 66:23 — “From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me, says the Lord.”
(A prophecy of worldwide worship.) - Philippians 2:10-11 — “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord…”
(Every nation and person will one day acknowledge God’s authority.) - Revelation 5:13 — “Then I heard every creature… saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor…’”
(Heaven and earth united in worship.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For followers of Christ today, this verse is a call to keep our eyes on the bigger picture. It reminds us that even if God is not honored by the world right now, He will be. Even when it seems like evil is winning or truth is ignored, Revelation 15:4 assures us that God’s glory is unstoppable.
It also challenges us to live lives that reflect His holiness. If God alone is holy, and we belong to Him, then our lives should be set apart too—marked by purity, truth, and faithfulness.
And finally, this verse helps us worship. Worship is not just about how we feel; it’s about who God is. His righteousness and holiness are enough reason to lift our voices, even when life is hard.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is not passive—it’s powerful, pure, and global. A loving God doesn’t hide the truth. He reveals His righteous acts so that people can turn to Him and worship.
He also doesn’t just love one group—He invites all nations to come to Him. His heart is for the whole world. That’s why He’s patient in judgment and generous in grace. His desire is not to punish people, but to bring them into worship and relationship with Him.
God’s holiness isn’t cold or distant. It’s full of love—a love that cannot stand sin, but offers a way out through truth and mercy.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the clearest revelation of God’s righteous acts. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we see God’s justice and mercy come together perfectly.
Jesus reveals God’s holiness—not just by what He said, but by how He lived. He was completely pure, never sinned, and gave Himself for the world. He is also the One through whom “all nations will come and worship.”
- John 14:9 — “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
(Jesus is the full revelation of God.) - Revelation 5:9 — “With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
(Jesus is the reason all nations will worship God.) - Hebrews 1:3 — “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…”
(Jesus shows us the holiness and glory of God perfectly.)
Without Jesus, the promise in Revelation 15:4 couldn’t come true. Through Him, it will.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to truly fear the Lord—and how is that different from being afraid of Him?
- How can you glorify God’s name in your everyday life?
- Why do you think holiness is something only God can fully possess?
- In what ways can this verse strengthen your faith when the world seems to ignore or oppose God?
- How does the promise that “all nations will come and worship” shape your view of the future?
- How has Jesus revealed God’s righteousness and love to you personally?