New Testament
Revelation 14:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Compare translations
And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
What Revelation 14:16 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 14:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 14:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.