King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:20 Mean?

Revelation 14:20 in the King James Version says “And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 14:20 · KJV

Context

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 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.... 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 14:20 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 · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπατήθη2 of 22

“was trodden”

G3961

to trample (literally or figuratively)

ἡ3 of 22
G3588

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

ληνοῦ4 of 22

“the winepress”

G3025

a trough, i.e., wine-vat

ἔξω5 of 22

“without”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς6 of 22
G3588

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

πόλεως7 of 22

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ8 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν9 of 22

“came”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

αἷμα10 of 22

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

ἐκ11 of 22

“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

τῆς12 of 22
G3588

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

ληνοῦ13 of 22

“the winepress”

G3025

a trough, i.e., wine-vat

ἄχρι14 of 22

“even unto”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τῶν15 of 22
G3588

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

χαλινῶν16 of 22

“bridles”

G5469

a curb or head-stall (as curbing the spirit)

τῶν17 of 22
G3588

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

ἵππων18 of 22

“the horse”

G2462

a horse

ἀπὸ19 of 22

“by the space of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

σταδίων20 of 22

“furlongs”

G4712

a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course

χιλίων21 of 22

“a thousand”

G5507

a thousand

ἑξακοσίων22 of 22

“and six hundred”

G1812

six hundred

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 1:15Revelation 19:14-21Hebrews 13:11-12Revelation 11:8Isaiah 63:1-3Isaiah 66:24

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