Revelation 14:10
What does Revelation 14:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 14:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 14:10 means
Those who choose the beast’s worship will drink God’s wrath, undiluted and certain. The imagery of a cup portrays judgment as measured and just, not random rage. Torment with fire and brimstone expresses the severity and reality of punishment. It occurs in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb, showing that judgment is carried out under divine authority and holiness. The One offered as Savior also stands as Judge. The warning is not to frighten for its own sake but to declare what sin earns when grace is spurned. God’s wrath is His settled opposition to evil, not a temper—but it is no less terrible for that.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
KJV
King James Version · 1611The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To him will be given of the wine of God's wrath which is ready unmixed in the cup of his wrath and he will have cruel pain, burning with fire before the holy angels and before the Lamb:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, that hath been mingled unmixed in the cup of His anger, and he shall be tormented in fire and brimstone before the holy messengers, and before the Lamb,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mingled with pure wine in the cup of his wrath: and shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890he also shall drink of the wine of the fury ofGod prepared unmixed in the cup of his wrath, and he shall be tormented in fire and brimstone before the holy angels and before the Lamb.
Context
This verse expands the third angel’s warning in verse 9, describing the nature of the penalty for beast-worship. The language emphasizes purity and certainty: God’s wrath is unmixed. The presence of the holy angels and the Lamb underscores accountability before heaven’s court. Verse 11 will add the duration and restlessness of this judgment. Together, these verses set the heaviest possible contrast with the blessed rest of the saints in verse 13, preparing the reader for the exhortation to perseverance in verse 12 and the comfort that follows for those who die in the Lord.
v.9And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand,
v.10This passage
v.11and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
- Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
- Psalms 75:8
For in the hand of Jehovah there is a cup, and the wine foameth; It is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the same: Surely the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall drain them, and drink them.
- Revelation 16:19
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
- Isaiah 51:17
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, that hast drunk at the hand of Jehovah the cup of his wrath; thou hast drunken the bowl of the cup of staggering, and drained it.
- Job 18:15
There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his: Brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
The Gospel in the Bible
The gospel is the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, offered to all who believe.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.