New Testament

Revelation 14:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the imagery of a figure sitting on a cloud represents divine authority and judgment.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

So the one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

KJVKing James Version

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the imagery of a figure sitting on a cloud represents divine authority and judgment. The act of swinging a sickle signifies the gathering or harvesting of the earth, which symbolizes the end of time when God will judge humanity. The sickle is a tool used for harvesting crops, indicating that just as crops are gathered at the right time, so too will people be gathered for judgment. This moment reflects the culmination of God's plan for the world, where the faithful are separated from the unfaithful. The phrase 'the earth was harvested' suggests a decisive action, emphasizing that the time for reckoning has come. This verse serves as a reminder of the certainty of God's judgment and the importance of being prepared for that day. It highlights the themes of accountability and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding justice and redemption.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 14:16 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. It reminds us to live with purpose and integrity, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. We should strive to be faithful and ready for the time when we will be held accountable for our choices.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 14:16 mean?

Revelation 14:16 describes a figure on a cloud who harvests the earth, symbolizing God's authority and the final judgment of humanity. This imagery reflects the end times when people will be gathered for accountability based on their faithfulness.

What is the significance of the sickle in Revelation 14:16?

The sickle in Revelation 14:16 represents the act of harvesting, indicating that just as crops are gathered at the right time, people will also be gathered for judgment. It emphasizes the decisive nature of God's judgment at the end of time.

What themes are present in Revelation 14:16?

Revelation 14:16 includes themes of divine judgment, accountability, and the end times. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and God's authority in the ultimate reckoning of humanity.

How can I apply Revelation 14:16 to my life?

You can apply Revelation 14:16 by reflecting on your actions and relationship with God. It encourages living with purpose and integrity, being mindful that your choices have eternal consequences.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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