New Testament
Revelation 14:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Still another angel — the one who has authority over fire — came from the altar. He shouted to the angel with the sharp sickle, "Swing your sharp sickle and cut the clusters of grapes from the earth's vine, because the grapes are fully ripe!"
Compare translations
And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
What Revelation 14:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 14:18, an angel with authority over fire calls out to another angel who holds a sharp sickle, instructing him to harvest the ripe grapes from the earth. This imagery symbolizes the final judgment and the gathering of those who have rejected God. The grapes represent the wicked, and their ripeness indicates that their time for judgment has come. The use of fire suggests purification and the seriousness of the impending judgment. This passage emphasizes the urgency of God's actions in response to human sin and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's choices and the reality of divine justice.
How to apply Revelation 14:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our lives and choices. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to live righteously. We are called to be aware of the spiritual harvest and to share the message of hope and redemption with others before it's too late.
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 14:18
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 14:18
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 14:18 mean?
Revelation 14:18 describes an angel with authority over fire instructing another angel to harvest ripe grapes from the earth. This symbolizes the final judgment, indicating that the time for the wicked to face consequences for their actions has come.
What is the significance of the sharp sickle in Revelation 14:18?
The sharp sickle in Revelation 14:18 represents the tool used for harvesting, symbolizing the gathering of those who have rejected God. It emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of divine judgment.
What do the ripe grapes represent in Revelation 14:18?
In Revelation 14:18, the ripe grapes symbolize the wicked who are ready for judgment. Their ripeness indicates that their time for accountability has arrived.
What is the role of the angel with authority over fire in Revelation 14:18?
The angel with authority over fire in Revelation 14:18 signifies divine power and judgment. This angel calls for the harvesting of the wicked, highlighting the seriousness of the impending judgment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.