Chapter
Verse
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Revelation 16:15

ESV (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
NIV Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.'
NASB ('Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.')
CSB "Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame."
NLT 'Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.'
KJV Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

What does Revelation 16:15 mean?

This verse is sometimes printed in parentheses, or in red letters, making it clear that it's a side note referring to the words of Jesus Christ. His statement presents a challenge to tribulation believers to stay alert. They will be blessed if they do so, knowing Jesus will return to earth suddenly and unexpectedly. His return will take unbelievers by surprise, just as a thief's visit takes a homeowner by surprise and is a frightful event. The apostle Paul informed the Thessalonian believers that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). The tribulation begins, therefore, like a thief in the night and also concludes like a thief in the night.

The allusion to keeping one's garments on, that he may not go about naked and exposed draws upon the custom of the day when men wore loose fitting robes. When a man walked quickly or ran or climbed stairs, the robe could become untied and fall open. Men wearing robes needed to be alert and careful about their behavior so their robes would not slip open. An unclothed person inside their house, also, is not prepared for a sudden visitor or to rush out in an emergency. Staying clothed, in a spiritual sense, means believers need to be careful about their behavior (Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 2:28).
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