Revelation 11:18

KJV

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the nations {G1484} were angry {G3710}, and {G2532} thy {G4675} wrath {G3709} is come {G2064}, and {G2532} the time {G2540} of the dead {G3498}, that they should be judged {G2919}, and {G2532} that thou shouldest give {G1325} reward {G3408} unto thy {G4675} servants {G1401} the prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} to the saints {G40}, and {G2532} them that fear {G5399} thy {G4675} name {G3686}, small {G3398} and {G2532} great {G3173}; and {G2532} shouldest destroy {G1311} them which destroy {G1311} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“The Goyim raged.
But now your rage has come,
the time for the dead to be judged,
the time for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your holy people,
those who stand in awe of your name,
both small and great.
It is also the time for destroying
those who destroy the earth.”

Berean Standard Bible

The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great— and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

American Standard Version

And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and the time to give their reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:18 is a pivotal verse within the book, encapsulating the climactic moment following the seventh trumpet, revealing God's ultimate response to human rebellion and the culmination of history. It portrays the nations' futile rage against divine sovereignty, the arrival of God's righteous wrath, and the appointed time for the dead to be judged. Simultaneously, it announces the just recompense for God's faithful servants—prophets, saints, and all who revere His name, regardless of status—and the decisive destruction of those who have corrupted His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 11:18 immediately follows the powerful declaration of the seventh trumpet in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet Sounds"), "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." This verse, therefore, describes the immediate consequences and characteristics of this new, eternal reign. The "nations were angry" highlights humanity's persistent rebellion and hostility towards God's sovereignty, even as His wrath is unleashed. This anger sets the stage for the dramatic events of judgment and reward that follow, signifying the world's resistance to divine rule and the divine response to it. The verse acts as a summary of the events that will unfold in greater detail in subsequent chapters, particularly the judgments and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Early Christians faced immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, leading to suffering and martyrdom. The imagery of "nations being angry" would resonate with the experience of believers facing hostile pagan governments and societies. The promise of "reward" for "prophets, and saints, and them that fear thy name" would have been a profound source of encouragement for those enduring tribulation, assuring them that their faithfulness would not be in vain. The concept of divine judgment and retribution against oppressors was a common theme in Old Testament prophetic literature, offering hope to the persecuted that God would ultimately intervene and set things right.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 11:18 is rich with several overarching themes central to the book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Kingdom Come**, as the declaration of God's eternal reign in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become God's") is immediately followed by the consequences of that reign. Secondly, **Divine Wrath and Judgment** is prominent, as "thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged" signifies the long-awaited moment of God's righteous indignation against sin and ungodliness, a theme echoed in passages like [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Winepress of God's Wrath"). Thirdly, **Divine Justice and Reward** is highlighted by the promise to "give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great," assuring believers of recompense for their faithfulness, as seen in [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - Jesus Will Reward According to Works"). Finally, **Retribution Against Evil and Restoration of Creation** is conveyed by the destruction of "them which destroy the earth," emphasizing God's ultimate vindication of His creation and judgment upon those who corrupt it, a concept also present in [Romans 8:22-23](/romans/8-22-23 "Romans 8:22-23 - Creation Groans for Redemption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term refers to a race or tribe, specifically a foreign or non-Jewish one, often carrying the implication of pagan peoples. In Revelation, it frequently denotes the Gentile world in opposition to God and His people, highlighting the universal scope of their rebellion and the subsequent judgment.
* **wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** More than mere anger, _orgḗ_ signifies a settled, violent passion or indignation, often implying a just abhorrence and the resulting punishment. Here, it refers to God's righteous indignation and the outpouring of His judgment against sin and rebellion, a divine response to the nations' anger.
* **destroy (Greek, _diaphtheírō'_):** This word is used twice in the phrase "destroy them which destroy the earth." It means to rot thoroughly, to ruin, spoil, corrupt, or bring to decay. Its dual usage emphasizes a reciprocal justice: those who actively corrupt or ruin God's creation, whether physically or morally, will themselves be utterly ruined or brought to an end by divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the nations were angry":** This clause describes the persistent, futile rage of the world's powers and peoples against God's sovereignty. Despite the declaration of God's kingdom, humanity's rebellion continues, manifesting as hostility and opposition to divine rule. This anger is a sign of their unrepentant heart.
* **"and thy wrath is come":** This signifies the appointed time for God's righteous indignation to be unleashed. It is not a capricious outburst, but the just and inevitable consequence of the nations' anger and rebellion against His authority. This is the moment of divine reckoning.
* **"and the time of the dead, that they should be judged":** This marks a specific, divinely appointed "season" (_kairós_) for the resurrection and judgment of all who have died. It underscores God's absolute authority over life and death, and His commitment to rendering justice to all, both living and dead.
* **"and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great":** This clause highlights God's justice in rewarding His faithful. "Prophets" represent those who speak God's truth, "saints" are His consecrated people, and "them that fear thy name" encompasses all who revere and obey Him. The inclusion of "small and great" emphasizes that God's reward is for all His faithful, regardless of their earthly status or perceived significance.
* **"and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth":** This final clause declares God's decisive retribution against those who have corrupted, ruined, or defiled His creation. "Destroying the earth" encompasses not only literal environmental degradation but also the moral, spiritual, and societal corruption that defiles humanity and God's world. God's judgment brings an end to those who actively work against His divine order and goodness.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:18 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Personification** is evident in "the nations were angry," attributing human emotion to collective entities, underscoring their active rebellion against God. The phrase "thy wrath is come" uses **Metonymy**, where "wrath" stands for the actual judgments and consequences of God's anger. The structure of the verse itself exhibits a form of **Parallelism** and **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the judgment of the wicked with the reward of the righteous, and the nations' anger with God's wrath. The repetition of the Greek word _diaphtheírō_ ("destroy") in "destroy them which destroy the earth" is a striking example of **Polyptoton** and **Retributive Justice**, emphasizing that the punishment perfectly fits the crime: those who ruin will be ruined. This also serves as a form of **Chiasmus** or **Inclusio** in its thematic completion, bringing the focus back to the earth and its state, tying together the human corruption and divine response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:18 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His meticulous care for His creation and His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but actively involved in the affairs of humanity, bringing history to its divinely appointed climax. The verse encapsulates the tension between human rebellion and divine rule, demonstrating that while nations may rage, God's purposes will prevail. It assures believers that their suffering and faithfulness are seen and will be rewarded, while simultaneously declaring the inevitable judgment upon all forms of evil and corruption that defile His world. This comprehensive judgment and reward underscore God's perfect righteousness and His final victory over all opposition.

* [Psalm 2:1-5](/psalms/2-1-5 "Psalm 2:1-5 - The Nations Rage, God Laughs")
* [Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Daniel 12:2-3 - Resurrection to Judgment and Life")
* [1 Corinthians 3:8](/1_corinthians/3-8 "1 Corinthians 3:8 - Each Will Receive His Own Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:18 offers profound and enduring truths for believers today, serving as both a warning and a source of immense hope. In a world often characterized by injustice, moral decay, and seemingly unchecked evil, this verse provides the assurance that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring all things to account. It reminds us that our present struggles, persecutions, and acts of faithfulness are not in vain; they are seen by a just God who promises a perfect reward for His servants, "small and great." This should motivate us to steadfast perseverance in our faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never wasted. Furthermore, the judgment against "them which destroy the earth" calls us to a deeper sense of stewardship for God's creation, both physically and morally. It challenges us to live in a way that honors God's design, actively seeking to preserve and protect what He has made, and to resist the corrupting influences that defile society. Ultimately, this verse compels us to live with an eternal perspective, embracing the urgency of sharing the Gospel, for the time of God's wrath and judgment is indeed coming, and only in Christ is true refuge found.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge of God's impending judgment on the nations and those who destroy the earth shape your perspective on current global events and societal issues?**
* **In what ways does the promise of reward for "prophets, saints, and them that fear thy name" encourage you in your personal walk of faith and service?**
* **Considering the dual meaning of "destroying the earth" (physical and moral corruption), how can you more effectively be a steward of God's creation and a force for moral good in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for God's perfect justice, which both punishes evil and rewards righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the nations were angry" in Revelation 11:18?**

Answer: The phrase "the nations were angry" (Greek: _orgízō_) signifies the persistent, deep-seated hostility and rebellion of the world's peoples and their rulers against God's ultimate sovereignty. Despite the declaration of God's kingdom in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become God's"), the unrepentant world does not submit but instead reacts with futile rage. This anger is a manifestation of their opposition to God's reign and His Christ, setting the stage for the outpouring of God's righteous wrath in response. It highlights the unyielding nature of human sin and defiance until the very end.

**Who are "the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great" who receive a reward?**

Answer: This comprehensive list describes the entirety of God's faithful people throughout history. "Prophets" refers to those specially called to proclaim God's truth, whether in the Old Testament tradition or as Spirit-inspired witnesses in the New Testament era (as seen in [Revelation 10:7](/revelation/10-7 "Revelation 10:7 - The Mystery of God Finished")). "Saints" (Greek: _hágios_) are God's consecrated, set-apart people, a term often used for all believers in Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 1:1](/ephesians/1-1 "Ephesians 1:1 - Paul's Greeting to the Saints")). "Them that fear thy name" is a broader, Old Testament-rooted expression encompassing all who genuinely revere, worship, and obey God. The addition of "small and great" emphasizes that God's reward is for everyone who belongs to Him and serves Him faithfully, regardless of their earthly status, influence, or perceived importance. It underscores the universality and impartiality of God's justice and reward system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:18, while deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic themes, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "wrath" that comes is God's righteous judgment against sin, which was fully absorbed by Christ on the cross, offering a path to salvation for all who believe (as powerfully articulated in [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Jesus is the one who will ultimately "judge the living and the dead" (as proclaimed in [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, Who Is to Judge")), fulfilling the "time of the dead, that they should be judged." Furthermore, Christ is the source and dispenser of the "reward" promised to "thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name." He Himself promises to reward His faithful according to their deeds (see [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Promise of Reward")). Finally, Jesus, as the ultimate King and Lord, is the one who will "destroy them which destroy the earth," bringing an end to all evil, corruption, and rebellion, and ushering in a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (a vision beautifully depicted in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, this verse points inexorably to Christ as the one who executes divine justice, bestows eternal reward, and ultimately restores all things.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 19:5

¶ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

Revelation 20:12

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 6:11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

Revelation 13:10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:5

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.