TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.”
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the holy ones, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Gentiles were angrie, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they shoulde be iudged, and that thou shouldest giue reward vnto thy seruants the Prophets, and to the Saintes, and to them that feare thy Name, to small and great, and shouldest destroy them, which destroy the earth.
Young's Literal Translation
and the nations were angry, and Thine anger did come, and the time of the dead, to be judged, and to give the reward to Thy servants, to the prophets, and to the saints, and to those fearing Thy name, to the small and to the great, and to destroy those who are destroying the land.'
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 30,891 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Revelation 11 verses 14–19
14 ¶ The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 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.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
We have here the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet, which is ushered in by the usual warning and demand of attention: The second woe is past, and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Then the seventh angel sounded. This had been suspended for some time, till the apostle had been made acquainted with some intervening occurrences of very great moment, and worthy of his notice and observation. But what he before expected he now heard - the seventh angel sounding. Here observe the effects and consequences of this trumpet, thus sounded.
I. Here were loud and joyful acclamations of the saints and angels in heaven. Observe, 1. The manner of their adorations: they rose from their seats, and fell upon their faces, and worshipped God; they did it with reverence and humility. 2. The matter of their adorations. (1.) They thankfully recognize the right of our God and Saviour to rule and reign over all the world: The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, Rev 11:15. They were always so in title, both by creation and purchase. (2.) They thankfully observe his actual possession of them, and reign over them; they give him thanks because he had taken to him his great power, asserted his rights, exerted his power, and so turned title into possession. (3.) They rejoice that this his reign shall never end: He shall reign for ever and ever, till all enemies be put under his feet; none shall ever wrest the sceptre out of his hand.
II. Here were angry resentments in the world at these just appearances and actings of the power of God (Rev 11:18): The nations were angry; not only had been so, but were so still: their hearts rose up against God; they met his wrath with their own anger. It was a time when God was taking a just revenge upon the enemies of his people, recompensing tribulation to those who had troubled them. It was a time in which he was beginning to reward his people's faithful services and sufferings; and their enemies could not bear it, they fretted against God, and so increased their guilt and hastened their destruction.
III. Another consequence was the opening of the temple of God in heaven. By this may be meant that here is now a more free communication between heaven and earth, prayer and praises more freely and frequently ascending and graces and blessings plentifully descending. But it rather seems to intend the church of God on earth, a heavenly temple. It is an allusion to the various circumstances of things in the time of the first temple. Under idolatrous and wicked princes, it was shut up and neglected; but, under religious and reforming princes, it was opened and frequented. So, during the power of antichrist, the temple of God seemed to be shut up, and was so in a great degree; but now it was opened again. At this opening of it observe, 1. What was seen there: the ark of God's testament. This was in the holy of holies; in this ark the tables of the law were kept. As before Josiah's time the law of God had been lost, but was then found, so in the reign of antichrist God's law was laid aside, and made void by their traditions and decrees; the scriptures were locked up from the people, and they must not look into these divine oracles; now they are opened, now they are brought to the view of all. This was an unspeakable and invaluable privilege; and this, like the ark of the testament, was a token of the presence of God returned to his people, and his favour towards them in Jesus Christ the propitiation. 2. What was heard and felt there: Lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. The great blessing of the reformation was attended with very awful providences; and by terrible things in righteousness God would answer those prayers that were presented in his holy temple, now opened. All the great revolutions of the world are concerted in heaven, and are the answers of the prayers of the saints.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–19. Public domain.
Copy as
TiconiusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:16-18
He speaks of the beginning and the end. When he says, “You have begun to reign and the nations raged,” he indicates the first coming, for at his birth Herod and the people of Jerusalem were troubled. However, the time of the second coming is declared by wrath and judgment.… “Behold, the third woe has come,” it says. By the sound of the trumpet of the seventh angel he refers to nothing other than the church, which is praising the Lord and is in the sound of the trumpet giving thanks to him without end. And from this we understand that the rewarding of those who are good is not without the punishment of the wicked. “To reward your saints and to corrupt the corrupters of the earth,” it says. This means that [the Lord] gives to the righteous a recompense proper to their merits and to those who were corrupters he gives evil proper to their [wicked] deeds. For whoever has corrupted in himself the temple of the Lord, that is, the church of the body of Christ in baptism, he will without doubt be subjected to corruption. As the apostle said, “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him.”
TiconiusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:15-19
He is now mentioning both the beginning and the end of the dispensation of Christ. For when he says, “You have begun to reign and the nations raged,” he is speaking of the first coming of Christ. But, indeed, when it follows that “your wrath has come and the time of the dead,” or as another translation has it, “at which time he will judge concerning the dead,” he is speaking of the second coming, when the saints and the prophets and those who fear his name, the small and the great and the old and the young, will receive their reward. As it says, “Your eyes beheld my imperfection, and in your book everything will be written.” And lest the wicked think that they may act with impunity, he subjects to destruction whomever has corrupted the earth. As the psalmist says, “The face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” It says that the third woe comes at the sound of the seventh angel, and when he sounded [his trumpet], only the church is mentioned as she praises the Lord and gives him thanks. And from this we learn that the recompense of the good is not apart from the woe of the wicked. And so the psalmist said, “When his wrath is quickly kindled,” certainly upon the wicked, “blessed are all those who trust in him.” And so now the church herself says, “Your wrath has come and the time for death, to reward your servants,” and following. This is the final woe. Since the bodily nativity of the Lord has been nicely recapitulated, he suggests that he is about to speak of the same things but in a different and more extensive manner.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:15-18
Here again he says that the holy angels and those who live as do the angels send a hymn of thanksgiving to God, because for our sake he has become worthy to receive as man that kingdom that as God he possessed from the beginning. And having been patient with the unbelieving nations who were enraged at this as though it were a new and strange teaching, at the end he brings judgment upon them.… “The time of the dead” is the time of the resurrection of the dead, at which time recompense will be given to each, one after the other. In the “prophets and saints and those who fear God” we are perhaps to recognize the three orders of those who produce fruit a hundredfold, sixtyfold and thirtyfold. However, certainly the apostles will receive the first place and sit upon the twelve thrones. We think that the “small and great” are either the lesser saints and those who are rather more preeminent than they, or the “small” are the sinners who are subjects of contempt and the “great” are the righteous.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And to destroy those who corrupt the earth. This is the final woe. Thus far concerning the seven angels blowing their trumpets, now he recapitulates from the birth of the Lord, saying the same things differently and more broadly.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And the time has come for the dead to be judged, and to reward, etc. It corresponds to the order of the gospel reading: first, all nations will be gathered before the Judge, then the righteous will be placed in the kingdom of the Father through many mansions, while the wicked, driven outside the boundaries of the kingdom, will be tormented by the flames of damnation.
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
And the four and twenty ancients, who sit on their seats in the sight of God, fell on their faces. Concerning the ancients, it has already been said that they signify the preachers, because a genus should be understood in the species. It is right for them to be twenty-four because of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. By the seats and the ancients is understood one seat, that of Christ, consisting of superiors and inferiors. It is right to say that the ancients sit in the sight of God, because, when they examine the actions of their inferiors, they do not seek thereby human gratitude, but God's glory. They fall on their faces because they attribute all good not to themselves, but to God. And adored God, saying: We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who wast, and who art. By the fact that they do not say “who art to come,” it is made clear that all this will be said or done at the last judgment. As for what follows, because thou hast received thy great power, and the nations were angry, it refers to his first coming. He received in his humanity the great power he has always had by his divinity. On the other hand, what is said next, because thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, refers to his second coming. Yet since the Lord says, Love your enemies, [Matt. 5:44 and Luke 6:27/35] how can it be said that these people are giving thanks for the coming of his wrath against the reprobates? Therefore they are not rejoicing at the destruction of the wicked, but at their own resurrection and glorification, which they know cannot possibly be fulfilled unless the damnation of the wicked comes first. It is according to this interpretation that the souls of the slain under the altar of God are said to cry, How long, O Lord, etc.; [Rev. 6:10] for they are not asking for revenge, but to be themselves rewarded after revenge has been taken on the wicked. Hence the Psalmist: The just shall rejoice when he shall see the revenge. [Ps. 57:11] The Judge's wrath does not mean a perturbation of the mind, but its straightness. So one shall see him such as one's own conscience is like. That thou shouldest judge them, and render reward to thy servants the prophets and the saints, and to them that fear thy name, little and great. When the apostle says that we are saved by grace, [Eph. 2:8] how can the Lord be said here to render reward? One should know then that when the Lord renders reward to his servants, it is his own gifts that he rewards in them, for we could not have any work worthy of reward if we had not received from him the ability to do works. Note also that by the name of prophets are represented the apostles. Meanwhile, let no one despair on account of their imperfection, if they nonetheless strive to do perfect things but do not succeed; because even the little ones shall obtain that reward; whence blessed Job: The small and great are there. [Job 3:19] And shouldest banish them who have corrupted the earth. They are said to be banished rather than killed so as to show the everlasting exile of damnation, their eternal indigence. To corrupt the earth is to pervert one's life with wicked works. So it is from this that the third woe of the wicked results, about which it was foretold that it would come quickly with the seventh angel.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And your wrath has come, he says, and the time of the nations has been judged, and the reward has been given to your servants, the prophets, and the saints. He says that you have long been patient with them, since they did not reject your goodness; now, that is, on the day of judgment, you have brought forth your wrath against them. And the things owed and appointed to the nations have also come and are present. What then? This was the judgment and the giving of retribution to the saints who had suffered wrongfully under them, and the destruction by the recompense of punishment of those who corrupted the earth, as if they had defiled it with their own sins.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Revelation 11:18 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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, "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 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. 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. 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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, 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). "Saints" (Greek: hágios) are God's consecrated, set-apart people, a term often used for all believers in Christ (e.g., Ephesians 1:1). "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). Jesus is the one who will ultimately "judge the living and the dead" (as proclaimed in 2 Timothy 4:1), 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). 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). Thus, this verse points inexorably to Christ as the one who executes divine justice, bestows eternal reward, and ultimately restores all things.