New Testament

Revelation 16:18

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 16:18, the scene described is one of immense chaos and divine power.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

There were voices, thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, the most powerful since people have been on the earth, so mighty and great.

KJVKing James Version

And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 16:18, the scene described is one of immense chaos and divine power. The voices, thunders, and lightnings symbolize God's presence and authority, indicating that something significant is about to happen. The mention of a great earthquake, the strongest ever recorded, emphasizes the severity of the events unfolding. This earthquake serves as a metaphor for God's judgment and the upheaval of the world as it faces divine retribution. The phrase 'such as was not since men were upon the earth' highlights the unprecedented nature of this event, suggesting that it will be a turning point in human history. This passage reflects the culmination of God's wrath against sin and rebellion, showcasing His sovereignty over creation. It serves as a reminder of the power of God and the seriousness of His judgment, urging readers to reflect on their relationship with Him and the consequences of their actions.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 16:18 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the seriousness of God's judgment and the importance of living in alignment with His will. It serves as a reminder to evaluate our lives, seek repentance, and maintain a strong relationship with God, especially in times of uncertainty.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 16:18 mean?

Revelation 16:18 describes a scene of great chaos and divine power, marked by voices, thunders, lightnings, and a powerful earthquake. This signifies God's presence and authority, indicating that significant events are unfolding as part of His judgment.

What is the significance of the earthquake in Revelation 16:18?

The earthquake in Revelation 16:18 symbolizes the severity of God's judgment and the upheaval of the world. It is described as the strongest ever, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the events and the seriousness of divine retribution.

What does the phrase 'such as was not since men were upon the earth' mean in Revelation 16:18?

This phrase highlights the unprecedented nature of the earthquake mentioned in Revelation 16:18, suggesting that it will be a turning point in human history and a significant manifestation of God's power.

What themes are present in Revelation 16:18?

Revelation 16:18 encompasses themes of divine judgment, God's power, unprecedented events, chaos and upheaval, and the sovereignty of God. These themes reflect the seriousness of God's actions and the consequences of human behavior.

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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