Revelation 16:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To watch and keep one’s garments means to be vigilant and to care continually for good works, which serve as clothing for the saints. Whoever lacks this clothing will be put to shame, as one naked and full of disgrace.

Armageddon means cutting down, or slaughter. The nations gathered by the devil and brought to this place will be slain, for he is comforted by human blood.

From this it is clear how ruinous the loss of the garments of virtue is. We know from the Gospel parable that the one who did not have them was cast out of the bridal chamber (Mt 22:13).

We know it also from the Apostle’s words, when, speaking of incorruption, he says: “If indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked” (2 Cor 5:3), that is, naked of good works.

“Behold, I am coming like a thief,” says the Lord. He says “like a thief” because of the suddenness and unexpectedness of His second coming.

“Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garment, lest he walk naked.” He continues to use the image of a thief. Therefore, He said, the garments must be guarded so that they are not lost.

By garment He means either a virtuous and seemly life, through which we become worthy of God’s protection, or the body, which must be blameless and pure.

For the one who does not keep his garments will be put to shame before the angels and men of the divine throne. At that time he will undergo judgment and remain naked, without divine care.

"Blessed are those whose sins are covered" (Ps. 31:1). Blessed is the one who, before righteous eyes at the judgment, has hidden the ugliness of a blameworthy life with the covering of subsequent good deeds.

Men weep because they are naked and have nothing with which to cover their nakedness. You too should weep because your soul is naked; sin has stripped it bare.

Bodily nakedness is shameful, but the nakedness of the soul is more shameful. Men see bodily nakedness, but God and His holy Angels see the soul's nakedness.

"Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garment, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (Rev. 16:15). Wretched and poor is the one who does not watch and does not keep his garment, for he walks naked and they see his shame.

"Give me a radiant robe, O Thou who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment, greatly merciful Christ my God" (Ps. 103:2).

To keep one's garment means to have humility, for it is the garment of the saints. Whoever does not have it will be put to shame, like one naked and full of disgrace, though he may seem quite different to himself.