New Testament
Revelation 16:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Every island vanished, and the mountains could no longer be found.
Compare translations
And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
What Revelation 16:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 16:20, the imagery of islands disappearing and mountains being lost signifies a dramatic upheaval in the natural order. This event occurs during the final judgments of God, illustrating His power over creation. The disappearance of these landforms suggests a complete transformation of the earth, emphasizing that nothing can withstand God's authority. The verse conveys a sense of finality and the end of the current world as we know it. It serves as a reminder that earthly structures and stability are temporary, and God's ultimate plan will prevail. This passage encourages believers to focus on spiritual truths rather than the transient nature of the physical world, highlighting the importance of being prepared for the coming of God's kingdom.
How to apply Revelation 16:20 to your life
This verse reminds us that earthly things are temporary and can be changed or removed at any moment. We should focus on building our lives on spiritual truths and values that last. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we prepare ourselves for His eternal kingdom.
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 John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 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.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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 16:20
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 16:20
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 16:20 mean?
Revelation 16:20 describes a time of great upheaval when islands and mountains disappear, symbolizing God's ultimate power over creation during His final judgments. It emphasizes the temporary nature of the physical world and the certainty of God's authority.
What is the significance of islands and mountains disappearing in Revelation 16:20?
The disappearance of islands and mountains in Revelation 16:20 signifies a complete transformation of the earth, illustrating that no earthly structures can withstand God's will. This imagery highlights the finality of God's plan and the impermanence of the physical world.
How does Revelation 16:20 relate to God's sovereignty?
Revelation 16:20 illustrates God's sovereignty by showing that He has the power to alter the very foundations of the earth. The vanishing of islands and mountains signifies that nothing can resist His authority.
What can we learn from Revelation 16:20?
From Revelation 16:20, we learn that earthly things are temporary and can change at any moment. It encourages us to focus on spiritual truths and our relationship with God as we prepare for His eternal kingdom.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.