King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:19 Mean?

Revelation 14:19 in the King James Version says “And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepr...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.”

Revelation 14:19 · KJV

Context

17

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

18

And 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.

19

And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20

And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Read Revelation 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.... 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.

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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 14:19 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 · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

“And”

G2532

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

ἔβαλεν2 of 27

“cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ὁ3 of 27
G3588

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

ἄγγελος4 of 27

“the angel”

G32

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

τὸ5 of 27
G3588

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

δρέπανον6 of 27

“sickle”

G1407

a gathering hook (especially for harvesting)

αὐτοῦ7 of 27
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

εἰς8 of 27

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν9 of 27
G3588

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

γῆς10 of 27

“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)

καὶ11 of 27

“And”

G2532

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

ἐτρύγησεν12 of 27

“gathered”

G5166

to collect the vintage

τὴν13 of 27
G3588

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

ἄμπελον14 of 27

“the vine”

G288

a vine (as coiling about a support)

τῆς15 of 27
G3588

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

γῆς16 of 27

“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)

καὶ17 of 27

“And”

G2532

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

ἔβαλεν18 of 27

“cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

εἰς19 of 27

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν20 of 27
G3588

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

ληνὸν21 of 27

“winepress”

G3025

a trough, i.e., wine-vat

τοῦ22 of 27
G3588

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

θυμοῦ23 of 27

“of the wrath”

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τοῦ24 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ25 of 27

“of God”

G2316

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

τὴν26 of 27
G3588

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

μέγαλην27 of 27

“the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide 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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:32-33Revelation 19:15-21

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