Revelation of John 15:5-8
The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony ( ο ναος της σκηνης του μαρτυριου ). Charles calls this "strange" language. Probably the tabernacle or tent of witness (Nu 9:15; 17:7) is in mind and the tent of meeting (Ex 27:21 rather than the temple in Jerusalem.Was opened ( ηνοιγη ). Second aorist passive indicative of ανοιγω as in 11:19. For ναος see 3:12; 7:15; 14:15, 17; 16:1, 17.
There came out ( εξηλθαν ). Second aorist active indicative of εξερχομα with -αν rather than -ον. Proleptic and prophetic aorist.
The seven angels ( ο επτα αγγελο ). Those in verse 1.
The seven plagues ( τας επτα πληγας ). The bowls are not given them till verse 7.
Arrayed ( ενδεδυμενο ). Perfect passive participle of ενδυω.
With precious stone pure and bright ( λιθον καθαρον λαμπρον ). Accusative case retained with verb of clothing as so often, literally "with a stone pure bright." For both adjectives together see 19:8, 14. Some MSS. read λινον (linen). For λιθον see 17:4; 18:16; Eze 28:13.
Girt ( περιεζωσμενο ). Perfect passive participle of περιζωννυω. See 1:13 for both participles. For στηθος (breast) see Lu 18:13.
With golden girdles ( ζωνας χρυσας ). Accusative case after the perfect passive participle περιεζωσμενο as in 1:13.
Seven golden bowls ( επτα φιαλας χρυσας ). Golden saucers, but not full of incense as in 5:8, but "full ( γεμουσας for which see 5:8) of the wrath of God who liveth for ever and ever" ( του θυμου του θεου του ζωντος εις τους αιωνας των αιωνων ). Portents of dreadful events.
Was filled with smoke ( εγεμισθη καπνου ). First aorist passive indicative of γεμιζω (from γεμω ), to fill full, and with the genitive καπνου (smoke). Smoke is here the symbol of God's presence (Ex 19:18; Isa 6:5).
Till should be finished ( αχρ τελεσθωσιν ). Temporal clause for future time with αχρ (equal to εως in import) and the first aorist passive subjunctive of τελεω, a metaphorical and symbolic "smoke screen" to keep all out of the sanctuary for the time being.
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