King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:14 Mean?

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their pl... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”

Revelation 6:14 · King James Version

Context

12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. untimely figs: or, green figs

14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

Read Revelation 6 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven seals - god's judgments on rebellious earth, cry of martyrs 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 6:14 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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ
1 of 16

“And”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐρανὸς
2 of 16

“the heaven”

G3772
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἀπεχωρίσθη
3 of 16

“departed”

G673
to rend apart; reflexively, to separate
ὡς
4 of 16

“as”

G5613
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
βιβλίον
5 of 16

“a scroll”

G975
a roll
εἱλισσόμενον
6 of 16

“when it is rolled together”

G1507
to coil or wrap
καὶ
7 of 16

“And”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πᾶν
8 of 16

“every”

G3956
all, any, every, the whole
ὄρος
9 of 16

“mountain”

G3735
a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)
καὶ
10 of 16

“And”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῆσος
11 of 16

“island”

G3520
an island
ἐκ
12 of 16

“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
τῶν
13 of 16
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπων
14 of 16

“places”

G5117
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
αὐτῶν
15 of 16
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
ἐκινήθησαν
16 of 16

“were moved”

G2795
to stir (transitively), 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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 34:4Revelation 16:202 Peter 3:10Hebrews 1:11-13Psalms 102:26Revelation 20:11

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