King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:18 Mean?

Revelation 11:18 in the King James Version says “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou s... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. destroy the earth: or, corrupt the earth

Revelation 11:18 · KJV


Context

16

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

17

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art , and wast , and art to come ; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. destroy the earth: or, corrupt the earth

19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them... This verse from Revelation's vision of two witnesses and seventh trumpet - faithful testimony, christ's kingdom proclaimed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 11:18 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 44 words
καὶ1 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ2 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνη3 of 44

the nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ὠργίσθησαν4 of 44

were angry

G3710

to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated

καὶ5 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦλθεν6 of 44

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

7 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀργή8 of 44

wrath

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

σου9 of 44

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ10 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

11 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιρὸς12 of 44

the time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τῶν13 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νεκρῶν14 of 44

of the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

κριθῆναι15 of 44

that they should be judged

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

καὶ16 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δοῦναι17 of 44

that thou shouldest give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τὸν18 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μισθὸν19 of 44

reward

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

τοῖς20 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλοις21 of 44

servants

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

σου22 of 44

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

τοῖς23 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήταις24 of 44

the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

καὶ25 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῖς26 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁγίοις27 of 44

to the saints

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ28 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῖς29 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φοβουμένοις30 of 44

them that fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸ31 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομά32 of 44

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

σου33 of 44

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

τοῖς34 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μικροῖς35 of 44

small

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

καὶ36 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῖς37 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλοις,38 of 44

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ39 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διαφθείροντας40 of 44

shouldest destroy

G1311

to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)

τοὺς41 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διαφθείροντας42 of 44

shouldest destroy

G1311

to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)

τὴν43 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν44 of 44

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 11:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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