Revelation 6:17 — For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse ends the dramatic section of Revelation 6, where the sixth seal is opened and the earth is shaken by signs of God’s judgment—cosmic disturbances, people hiding in fear, and the realization that the time of reckoning has arrived.

Here, the people of the world—both powerful and poor—acknowledge that “the great day of their wrath has come.” “Their” refers to God the Father and Jesus Christ the Lamb. They realize this is not just a natural disaster; it’s a divine moment when God is stepping in to deal with evil.

Then comes the piercing question: “Who can withstand it?” This is not just a rhetorical question—it’s a confession. The people of the earth know they cannot stand against God’s power or justice. They are completely undone by the truth they once ignored or denied.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, “the day of the Lord” was a familiar phrase in Scripture. It referred to a time when God would come to judge sin, defeat His enemies, and set things right. Prophets like Isaiah, Joel, and Zephaniah spoke of this day with images of darkness, fire, and fear.

For John’s first readers, many of whom were being mistreated for their faith, this verse was both a warning to the world and a comfort to the faithful. It meant God would not stay silent forever. A day would come when evil would be dealt with—and no one would be able to resist Him.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that God’s judgment is certain, final, and unavoidable. There is a set time—a “great day”—when God will no longer wait. The world will see His holiness and respond with fear because they rejected His mercy.

The question, “Who can withstand it?” reminds us that no one can stand before God by their own goodness or strength. On that day, all pretense, pride, and power will fall away. Only those who belong to Jesus will be able to stand in His presence—not because of what they’ve done, but because of His grace and covering.

Literary Analysis

This short verse is heavy with emotion and finality:

• “The great day” – This phrase emphasizes a set, specific moment in time. It’s not random—it’s part of God’s plan.

• “Of their wrath” – “Their” is significant. This wrath is not divided between Father and Son. It’s united. The judgment comes from both the One on the throne and the Lamb.

• “Who can withstand it?” – This is a cry of despair. The world realizes too late that they are not ready.

The simplicity of the verse only adds to its force. There is no escape. There is no argument. Just a realization of the truth that God is holy, and His judgment is unstoppable.

Biblical Cross-References

• Joel 2:11 – “The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?”

• Nahum 1:6 – “Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His fierce anger?”

• Malachi 3:2 – “But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears?”

• Romans 2:5-6 – God’s righteous judgment will be revealed, and He will repay each person according to what they have done.

• Hebrews 10:27 – A fearful expectation of judgment awaits those who reject the truth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse should cause every believer to stop and reflect: Am I standing in the mercy of Christ, or trying to stand on my own?

It reminds us to live with urgency and humility. The day of judgment is not a theory—it’s coming. That should move us to share the gospel boldly, live faithfully, and walk humbly with God.

For the Christian, this verse doesn’t lead to fear—but to worship and gratitude. We don’t fear the wrath of the Lamb because we’ve been saved by His blood. But we don’t take that lightly either. It should shape how we live every day.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

A loving God must also be a just God. If God were to ignore sin forever, He wouldn’t be good. Wrath is not the opposite of love—it’s the expression of His love for what is right and His hatred for what is evil.

This verse shows God’s love not by what it says directly, but by what it implies: He warned us in advance. He gave us Scripture. He sent His Son. He gave the world time. The fact that anyone is still alive to read this verse is proof of God’s long-suffering patience.

But love does not delay forever. Eventually, God steps in—not to crush for sport, but to bring justice and put an end to evil.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central here—not just as Savior, but as Judge. The wrath of the Lamb may seem like a strange phrase, but it captures both sides of Jesus’ identity:

• He is the Lamb who was slain to save us.

• He is the Judge who will return to reign in righteousness.

• John 3:36 – Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

• Acts 17:31 – God has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed—Jesus.

• Revelation 19:11-16 – Jesus comes on a white horse to judge and make war in righteousness.

This verse forces us to ask: Do I know the Lamb as my Savior now, or will I face Him as my Judge later?

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What do you think “the great day of their wrath” will be like?

2. Why do you think people in this verse ask, “Who can withstand it?” instead of turning to God?

3. How can we prepare now to stand with confidence when that day comes?

4. What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of sin?

5. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus before this great day arrives?