New Testament
Revelation 14:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
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.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
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!"
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
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.
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