King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:7 Mean?

Revelation 14:7 in the King James Version says “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that ma... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Revelation 14:7 · KJV


Context

5

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

6

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

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,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.... 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 14:7 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 · 32 words
λέγοντα1 of 32

Saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐν2 of 32

with

G1722

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

φωνῇ3 of 32

voice

G5456

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

μεγάλῃ,4 of 32

a loud

G3173

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

Φοβήθητε5 of 32

Fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸν6 of 32
G3588

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

θεὸν7 of 32

God

G2316

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

καὶ8 of 32

and

G2532

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

δότε9 of 32

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ10 of 32

of 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

δόξαν11 of 32

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ὅτι12 of 32

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦλθεν13 of 32

is come

G2064

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

14 of 32
G3588

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

ὥρα15 of 32

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

τῆς16 of 32
G3588

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

κρίσεως17 of 32

judgment

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

αὐτοῦ18 of 32

of 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

καὶ19 of 32

and

G2532

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

προσκυνήσατε20 of 32

worship

G4352

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

τῷ21 of 32
G3588

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

ποιήσαντι22 of 32

him that made

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸν23 of 32
G3588

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

οὐρανὸν24 of 32

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ25 of 32

and

G2532

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

τὴν26 of 32
G3588

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

γῆν27 of 32

earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ28 of 32

and

G2532

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

θάλασσαν29 of 32

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ30 of 32

and

G2532

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

πηγὰς31 of 32

the fountains

G4077

a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)

ὑδάτων32 of 32

of waters

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively


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 14:7 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 14:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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