King James Version

What Does Revelation 16:21 Mean?

Revelation 16:21 in the King James Version says “And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God bec... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Revelation 16:21 · KJV


Context

19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

20

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

21

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven bowls of wrath - final judgments, battle of armageddon, babylon's fall announced 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 16:21 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

χαλάζης2 of 30

hail

G5464

hail

μεγάλη3 of 30

a great

G3173

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

ὡς4 of 30

every stone about

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ταλαντιαία5 of 30

the weight of a talent

G5006

talent-like in weight

καταβαίνει6 of 30

there fell

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ7 of 30

because 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

τοῦ8 of 30
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ9 of 30

heaven

G3772

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

ἐπὶ10 of 30

upon

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

τοὺς11 of 30
G3588

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

ἄνθρωποι12 of 30

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ13 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐβλασφήμησαν14 of 30

blasphemed

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

οἱ15 of 30
G3588

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

ἄνθρωποι16 of 30

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τὸν17 of 30
G3588

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

θεὸν18 of 30

God

G2316

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

ἐκ19 of 30

because 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

τῆς20 of 30
G3588

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

πληγὴ21 of 30

the plague

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

τῆς22 of 30
G3588

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

χαλάζης23 of 30

hail

G5464

hail

ὅτι24 of 30

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μεγάλη25 of 30

a great

G3173

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

ἐστὶν26 of 30

was

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

27 of 30
G3588

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

πληγὴ28 of 30

the plague

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

αὐτῆς29 of 30

thereof

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

σφόδρα30 of 30

exceeding

G4970

of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e., in a high degree, much


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 16:21 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 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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