Revelation 19:7
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The verse highlights that the Bride hasn't just arrived at the wedding, but she has actively "made herself ready," signifying her personal readiness and participation in this momentous event. This isn't a passive reception but an active preparation, symbolizing the church's sanctification and eagerness for union with Christ.
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage erupts after the dramatic pronouncements about the judgment of Babylon and the triumphant praise of God in heaven. The focus shifts from the destruction of evil to the ultimate union of Christ with His people, symbolized by a joyous wedding feast. This anticipation of the Lamb's marriage sets the stage for the subsequent vision of Christ on His white horse, leading His victorious heavenly army.
The imagery of a wedding is powerful, symbolizing deep intimacy and joy. In Revelation, this imagery points to something even grander than any earthly ceremony.
The verse calls for rejoicing because "the marriage of the Lamb has come." This isn't just a future event, but a reality that has arrived in a significant way.
The Bride and Groom
In Scripture, Christ is consistently portrayed as the Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride. This relationship signifies a deep, unbreakable covenant, marked by love, commitment, and shared glory. Think of how Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Hosea spoke of God's relationship with Israel using this same marriage imagery.
Consummation of Love
The "marriage" here represents the ultimate union between Christ and His redeemed people. It’s a celebration of His victory over sin and death, and the complete purification and readiness of His Church to be with Him, finally and forever.
A wedding is a moment of preparation, and this verse highlights that the Bride has indeed "made herself ready."
The readiness of the Bride isn't about her own merit, but about her responsiveness to the Bridegroom's work.
Preparation in Righteousness
What does it mean for the Bride to be "ready"? It means she is adorned not with her own works, but with the righteousness of Christ. This preparation is a result of His purifying work and the faithful application of His Word and Spirit. It speaks of a people who have been cleansed and made holy through faith in Him.
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A Unified People
This readiness also signifies a unified Church, free from the divisions and corruptions that marred the "harlot" described in earlier chapters. The Bride is presented as pure, devoted solely to her Bridegroom, reflecting His glory and truth.
Understand the original words
arnion · Greek Noun
The person of Christ, specifically emphasizing His role as the sacrificial offering whose death and resurrection secured redemption for His people.
nymphē · Greek Noun
Refers to the collective body of believers throughout history who are united to Christ. It symbolizes the intimate, covenantal, and eternal relationship between Christ and His people.
hetoimazō · Greek Verb
The state of being spiritually prepared or qualified, often implying the work of sanctification accomplished by the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
c. 2nd-4th centuries AD
Development of Christian Theology and Apocalyptic Literature
During this period, Christian thought solidified, and apocalyptic literature, like parts of Revelation, was widely circulated and interpreted, addressing hopes and fears within the Roman Empire.
c. AD 95— this verse
John Writes the Book of Revelation
The Apostle John writes Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian, addressing seven churches in Asia Minor facing persecution.
c. AD 313
Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine grants religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire, effectively ending widespread persecution of Christians and marking a significant shift in the church's status.
c. 325 AD
First Council of Nicaea
This council convenes to establish orthodox Christian doctrine, particularly regarding the nature of Jesus Christ, influencing the theological language used in interpreting biblical texts.
c. 16th-17th centuries AD
Reformation and Counter-Reformation Era
This era saw intense theological debate and reinterpretation of biblical texts, including Revelation, as reformers challenged established church practices and doctrines.
c. 19th-20th centuries AD
Modern Scholarly Interpretation
Scholars continue to analyze Revelation, debating its historical context, literary genre, and prophetic meaning, with diverse views on its fulfillment.
This passage beautifully uses the imagery of marriage to describe God's deep affection and restoration for His people, directly paralleling the 'marriage of the Lamb' in Revelation.
2 Corinthians 11:2Paul directly refers to presenting the church as a pure bride to Christ, highlighting the purity and devotion expected in this spiritual union, which is a foundational concept for Revelation's imagery.
Matthew 25:1-10The parable of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom speaks to the necessity of being prepared and ready for the coming marriage feast, echoing the Bride making herself ready in Revelation.
Hosea 2:19-20God promises to betroth His people to Himself forever, in steadfast love and faithfulness. This Old Testament prophecy lays the groundwork for the eternal covenant represented by the Lamb's marriage.
barnesRevelation 19:7: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
Let us be glad and rejoice - Let all in heaven rejoice - for all have an interest in the triumph of truth; all should be glad that the government of God is set up over an apostate world. And give honour to him - Because the work is glorious; and became it is by his power alone that it has been accomplished. See the notes on Revelation 5:12. For the m…
pulpitRevelation 19:7: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
Verse 7. - Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him; let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him. Alford reads δώσομεν, "we will give," with א, A. P, 36; but the T.R. δῶμεν, "let us give," which is found in א, B, 1, 7, 38, Vulgate, Cyprian, Primasius, is to be preferred. For the marriage of the Lamb is come, and…
The verse highlights that the Bride hasn't just arrived at the wedding, but she has actively "made herself ready," signifying her personal readiness and participation in this momentous event. This isn't a passive reception but an active preparation, symbolizing the church's sanctification and eagerness for union with Christ.
This passage erupts after the dramatic pronouncements about the judgment of Babylon and the triumphant praise of God in heaven. The focus shifts from the destruction of evil to the ultimate union of Christ with His people, symbolized by a joyous wedding feast. This anticipation of the Lamb's marriage sets the stage for the subsequent vision of Christ on His white horse, leading His victorious heavenly army.
This passage erupts after the dramatic pronouncements about the judgment of Babylon and the triumphant praise of God in heaven. The focus shifts from the destruction of evil to the ultimate union of Christ with His people, symbolized by a joyous wedding feast. This anticipation of the Lamb's marriage sets the stage for the subsequent vision of Christ on His white horse, leading His victorious heavenly army.
"Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;" — The verse highlights that the Bride hasn't just arrived at the wedding, but she has actively "made herself ready," signifying her personal readiness and participation in this momentous event. This is…
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Last reviewed October 2026
