The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God: if the translation has “sanctuary” or its equivalent in verse 5, the same word should be used here. For a similar statement of God’s presence in the Tent and the Temple, see Exo 40.34; 1 Kgs 8.10-11; 2 Chr 5.13-14; Isa 6.4. God’s glory (see 1.6) is the visible manifestation of his presence in the form of a brilliant light. The double phrase the glory of God and … his power may mean “God’s greatness (or, majesty) and power” or “God’s majestic power.” For power see 2.26; 3.8.

No one could enter: this is like the instances in the Old Testament referred to above, in which God’s glory made it impossible for priests or worshipers to enter the Tent or the Temple.

Were ended: this is the same verb used in verse 1.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• The Witness Tent was filled with smoke that came from God’s greatness and power. No one could go into the Tent until the seven punishments that the seven angels had brought were finished.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .