King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:15 Mean?

Revelation 14:15 in the King James Version says “And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, a... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. ripe: or, dried

Revelation 14:15 · KJV


Context

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

14

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. ripe: or, dried

16

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17

And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ... 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 14:15 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 · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἄλλος2 of 35

another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἄγγελος3 of 35

angel

G32

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

ἐξῆλθεν4 of 35

came

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ5 of 35

out 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

τοῦ6 of 35
G3588

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

ναοῦ7 of 35

the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

κράζων8 of 35

crying

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ἐν9 of 35

with

G1722

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

μεγάλῃ10 of 35

a loud

G3173

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

φωνῇ11 of 35

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

τῷ12 of 35
G3588

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

καθημένῳ13 of 35

to him that sat

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ14 of 35

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς15 of 35
G3588

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

νεφέλης,16 of 35

the cloud

G3507

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

Πέμψον17 of 35

Thrust in

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

τὸ18 of 35
G3588

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

δρέπανόν19 of 35

sickle

G1407

a gathering hook (especially for harvesting)

σου20 of 35

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ21 of 35

And

G2532

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

θερίσαι22 of 35

reap

G2325

to harvest

ὅτι23 of 35

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦλθεν24 of 35

is come

G2064

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

σοι25 of 35

for thee

G4671

to thee

26 of 35
G3588

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

ὥρα27 of 35

the time

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ28 of 35
G3588

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

θερίσαι29 of 35

reap

G2325

to harvest

ὅτι30 of 35

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξηράνθη31 of 35

is ripe

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

32 of 35
G3588

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

θερισμὸς33 of 35

the harvest

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

τῆς34 of 35
G3588

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

γῆς35 of 35

of 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 14:15 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 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study