King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:10 Mean?

Revelation 14:10 in the King James Version says “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignatio... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The 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:

Revelation 14:10 · KJV


Context

8

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10

The 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:

11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 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... This verse from Revelation's vision of lamb and 144,000 - redeemed firstfruits, three angels' messages, harvest judgment 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 14:10 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 · 33 words
καὶ1 of 33

and

G2532

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

αὐτοῦ2 of 33

The same

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πίεται3 of 33

shall drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ4 of 33

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ5 of 33

which

G3588

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

οἴνου6 of 33

the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ7 of 33

which

G3588

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

θυμοῦ8 of 33

of the wrath

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τοῦ9 of 33

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ10 of 33

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦ11 of 33

which

G3588

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

κεκερασμένου12 of 33

is poured out

G2767

to mingle, i.e., (by implication) to pour out (for drinking)

ἀκράτου13 of 33

without mixture

G194

undiluted

ἐν14 of 33

into

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῦ15 of 33

which

G3588

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

ποτηρίῳ16 of 33

the cup

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

τοῦ17 of 33

which

G3588

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

ὀργῆς18 of 33

indignation

G3709

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

αὐτοῦ19 of 33

The same

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ20 of 33

and

G2532

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

βασανισθήσεται21 of 33

he shall be tormented

G928

to torture

ἐν22 of 33

into

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πυρὶ23 of 33

fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

καὶ24 of 33

and

G2532

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

θείῳ25 of 33

brimstone

G2303

sulphur

ἐνώπιον26 of 33

in the presence

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ27 of 33

which

G3588

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

ἁγίων28 of 33

of the holy

G40

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

ἀγγέλων29 of 33

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

καὶ30 of 33

and

G2532

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

ἐνώπιον31 of 33

in the presence

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ32 of 33

which

G3588

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

ἀρνίου33 of 33

of the Lamb

G721

a lambkin


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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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