Definition: And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 21:9. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage that speaks about the end times and the future of God's people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The verse describes an angel who is connected to the final, devastating plagues of the Old Testament – like the death of locusts and boils – and he tells us to come closer to something incredibly important. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Revelation 21:9” : This is a chapter in the Bible that describes the end times, focusing on what will happen when God brings about His plan for humanity. It's a hopeful message about a new era of peace and restoration. “One of the seven angels” : This refers to an angel who was involved in punishing the wicked during the Old Testament. Think of him as a very powerful, vengeful figure. “which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues” : This is crucial. The “vials” are symbolic containers filled with water – representing the punishments and consequences of sin. These plagues were incredibly severe: death from locusts, boils, sickness, etc. They were meant to be a terrible reminder of God's judgment on humanity’s wickedness. “and talked with me” : The angel is communicating with us. “saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” This is the really important part. The angel says, "Come closer!" and tells us to look for something significant. He introduces a new concept: the “Bride of Life” . “Bride of Life” : This is a very powerful metaphor. It refers to a woman who is special and destined for a glorious future. It’s connected to Jesus Christ, who is the "Lamb of God." So, what does it all mean? The angel is telling us that the Lamb’s wife – which is essentially Jesus Christ – will be revealed in the end times. He will bring about a time of peace and restoration for humanity. The “bride” represents this new era of perfection and righteousness. In short, the verse speaks of a future where God's plan culminates in a glorious reunion between God and His people. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many layers of symbolism. It’s often interpreted as representing Jesus Christ’s return and victory over evil. Different interpretations exist within Christianity and other faith traditions. --- Would you like me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of the vials and plagues The meaning of "the Lamb's wife" within Christian theology How this verse relates to prophecies in the Old Testament