Revelation 14:18
What does Revelation 14:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 14:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 14:18 means
Now an angel from the altar, who has power over fire, commands the angel with the sickle to gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the grapes are fully ripe. The altar and fire evoke God’s holiness, the cries for justice, and sacrificial judgment. “Vine of the earth” contrasts with what is of God; this vintage belongs to the world’s rebellious system. Full ripeness means sin has matured to the point where delay would no longer be merciful. The command indicates coordinated, righteous judgment. Heaven’s response is not impulsive but measured, springing from God’s holy presence where prayers and justice meet.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And another angel came out from the altar, he that hath power over fire; and he called with a great voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Send forth thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And another angel came out from the altar, he that hath power over fire; and he called with a great voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Send forth thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And another angel came out from the altar, who has power over fire; and he gave a loud cry to him who had the sharp curved blade, saying, Put in your sharp blade, and let the grapes of the vine of the earth be cut; for her grapes are fully ready.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and another messenger did come forth out from the altar, having authority over the fire, and he called with a great cry to him having the sharp sickle, saying, `Send forth thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, because come to perfection have her grapes;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire. And he cried with a loud voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying: Thrust in thy sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vineyard of the earth, because the grapes thereof are ripe.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And another angel came out of the altar, having power over fire, and called with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Send thy sharp sickle, and gather the bunches of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripened.
Context
This verse brings a second heavenly messenger into the scene—one associated with the altar and fire—who authoritatively calls for the grape harvest. It clarifies that the coming action is explicitly punitive: the harvest is of “the vine of the earth,” and its ripeness signals readiness for judgment. Next, verse 19 will describe the execution of that command: the grapes are gathered and thrown into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Verse 20 will then detail the location and the shocking magnitude of the outpoured judgment, closing the chapter with an unforgettable image.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 14:15
And another angel came out from the temple, crying with a great voice to him that sat on the cloud, Send forth thy sickle, and reap: for the hour to reap is come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
- Joel 3:13
Put ye in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe: come, tread ye; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
- Revelation 6:9
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
- Revelation 16:8
And the fourth poured out his bowl upon the sun; and it was given unto it to scorch men with fire.
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