King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:16 Mean?

Revelation 6:16 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Revelation 6:16 · KJV

Context

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:

17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Read Revelation 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:... 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.

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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 6:16 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 · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

λέγουσιν2 of 26

“said”

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

τοῖς3 of 26
G3588

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

ὄρεσιν4 of 26

“to the mountains”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

καὶ5 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ταῖς6 of 26
G3588

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

πέτραις,7 of 26

“rocks”

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

Πέσετε8 of 26

“Fall”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ9 of 26

“on”

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

ἡμᾶς10 of 26

“us”

G2248

us

καὶ11 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

κρύψατε12 of 26

“hide”

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

ἡμᾶς13 of 26

“us”

G2248

us

ἀπὸ14 of 26

“from”

G575

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

προσώπου15 of 26

“the face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

τοῦ16 of 26
G3588

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

καθημένου17 of 26

“of him that sitteth”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ18 of 26

“on”

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

τοῦ19 of 26
G3588

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

θρόνου20 of 26

“the throne”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

καὶ21 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἀπὸ22 of 26

“from”

G575

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

τῆς23 of 26
G3588

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

ὀργῆς24 of 26

“the wrath”

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

τοῦ25 of 26
G3588

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

ἀρνίου26 of 26

“of the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

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 6:16 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 6:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:30Hosea 10:8Revelation 4:2Revelation 20:11Psalms 14:5Matthew 26:64

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