1. Revelation 15:6 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does John repeat the reference to “the seven plagues”?

Revelation 15:6 (ESV)

6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests.

The repetition draws the readers’ attention to the centrality of the plagues in this chapter. Notice that the plagues are mentioned directly in Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:6, and Revelation 15:8, and quite directly again in Revelation 15:7 with the reference to the “golden bowls full of the wrath of God.” They are also mentioned indirectly in the song of Revelation 15:3–4 in the words “deeds” and “ways” and “acts.”