King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:11 Mean?

Revelation 14:11 in the King James Version says “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beas... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 14:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. from henceforth: or, from henceforth saith the Spirit, Yea


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 14:11 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 · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

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

τοῦ2 of 34

who

G3588

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

καπνὸς3 of 34

the smoke

G2586

smoke

τοῦ4 of 34

who

G3588

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

βασανισμοῦ5 of 34

torment

G929

torture

αὐτοῦ6 of 34

his

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

ἀναβαίνει7 of 34

ascendeth up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς8 of 34

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αἰώνων9 of 34

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

αἰώνων10 of 34

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

καὶ11 of 34

And

G2532

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

οὐκ12 of 34

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν13 of 34

they have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀνάπαυσιν14 of 34

rest

G372

intermission; by implication, recreation

ἡμέρας15 of 34

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

καὶ16 of 34

And

G2532

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

νυκτός17 of 34

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ18 of 34

who

G3588

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

προσκυνοῦντες19 of 34

worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τοῦ20 of 34

who

G3588

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

θηρίον21 of 34

the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ22 of 34

And

G2532

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

τοῦ23 of 34

who

G3588

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

εἰκόνα24 of 34

image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

αὐτοῦ25 of 34

his

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

καὶ26 of 34

And

G2532

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

εἴ27 of 34
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις28 of 34
G5100

some or any person or object

λαμβάνει29 of 34

receiveth

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τοῦ30 of 34

who

G3588

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

χάραγμα31 of 34

the mark

G5480

a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)

τοῦ32 of 34

who

G3588

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

ὀνόματος33 of 34

name

G3686

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

αὐτοῦ34 of 34

his

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


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 14:11 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 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study