Revelation 14:10

KJV

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

KJV (with Strong's)

The same {G846}{G2532} shall drink {G4095} of {G1537} the wine {G3631} of the wrath {G2372} of God {G2316}, which {G3588} is poured out {G2767} without mixture {G194} into {G1722} the cup {G4221} of his {G846} indignation {G3709}; and {G2532} he shall be tormented {G928} with {G1722} fire {G4442} and {G2532} brimstone {G2303} in the presence {G1799} of the holy {G40} angels {G32}, and {G2532} in the presence {G1799} of the Lamb {G721}:

Complete Jewish Bible

he will indeed drink the wine of God’s fury poured undiluted into the cup of his rage. He will be tormented by fire and sulfur before the holy angels and before the Lamb,

Berean Standard Bible

he too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.

American Standard Version

he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:10 issues a stark and terrifying warning regarding the ultimate destiny of those who align themselves with the beast and receive its mark. It vividly describes a judgment where God's undiluted wrath is poured out as a bitter draught, leading to eternal torment by fire and brimstone. This severe and public punishment unfolds in the solemn presence of both holy angels and the Lamb, underscoring the righteousness and finality of divine justice against unrepentant rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal sequence in Revelation, specifically following the messages of the three angels in [Revelation 14:6-12](/revelation/14-6-12 "Revelation 14 - The Three Angels' Messages"). The first angel proclaims the eternal gospel, urging all humanity to worship the Creator. The second declares the definitive fall of Babylon, the symbol of worldly corruption and opposition to God. Immediately preceding our verse, the third angel delivers a solemn and severe warning against worshiping the beast and receiving its mark ([Revelation 14:9](/revelation/14-9 "Revelation 14:9 - Warning Against Beast Worship")). Therefore, [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath") serves as the explicit and horrifying description of the consequences for those who disregard this final, urgent call to repentance and choose allegiance to the beast's system, directly linking their actions to their inescapable doom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath") draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions and common ancient Near Eastern cultural understandings of judgment. The concept of a "cup of wrath" or "wine of indignation" was a well-established metaphor in Jewish prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling") and [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath")), signifying the full measure of divine judgment poured out upon nations or individuals. The "fire and brimstone" imagery immediately evokes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed")), symbolizing complete and irreversible devastation. For early Christians facing persecution under Roman imperial cult worship, this verse would have provided both a terrifying warning against apostasy and a comforting assurance that their oppressors would ultimately face divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, emphasizing God's righteous response to unrepentant rebellion and idolatry. It highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all earthly powers, demonstrating that even the formidable beast and its followers are subject to His ultimate judgment. The concept of **Unmixed Judgment** signifies the purity and intensity of God's wrath, indicating that there will be no mitigation or mercy for those who have definitively rejected His authority. Furthermore, the theme of **Witnessed Judgment** is crucial, as the torment occurs "in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb," showcasing God's vindication and righteousness before all of creation. This verse also underscores the **Eternal Consequences of Human Choice**, presenting a stark contrast between choosing God and choosing the beast, with eternal life or eternal torment as the respective outcomes, a theme echoed throughout [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennium and Final Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrath (Greek, _thymós'_):** G2372. From θύω (thúō), meaning "passion (as if breathing hard)." This word denotes a sudden, violent outburst of anger or indignation, often contrasted with _orgē_ (G3709), which signifies a more settled, abiding anger. Here, it conveys the intense, fervent indignation of God, a righteous fury against sin that is about to be unleashed.
* **without mixture (Greek, _ákratos'_):** G194. From Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of κεράννυμι (keránnymi), meaning "undiluted." In ancient times, wine was frequently mixed with water to reduce its potency. The term "without mixture" emphasizes that God's wrath will be pure, undiluted, and unmitigated in its intensity. There will be no softening or lessening of the judgment; it will be experienced in its full, devastating power.
* **tormented (Greek, _basanízō'_):** G928. From βάσανος (básanos), meaning "to torture." This verb describes severe pain, agony, or distress, often associated with physical torture or intense mental anguish. Its use here indicates an active, conscious, and excruciating suffering that is inflicted upon the condemned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God":** This clause identifies the recipients of the judgment – those who worship the beast and receive its mark – and describes their fate metaphorically. To "drink of the wine of the wrath of God" signifies being subjected to the full, intoxicating, and devastating effects of divine judgment. It is a forced consumption of the consequences of their rebellion, a bitter draught prepared by God's righteous anger.
* **"which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation":** This further intensifies the description of God's wrath. The "wine" is not diluted; it is "without mixture," meaning it is pure, undiluted, and unmitigated in its potency. The "cup of his indignation" (using _orgē_, G3709) refers to God's settled, righteous abhorrence of sin, which is now being poured out in its full measure. This emphasizes the absolute severity and unyielding nature of the impending judgment.
* **"and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone":** This clause describes the specific nature of the torment. "Fire and brimstone" is a powerful biblical idiom for eternal, agonizing punishment, drawing on the Old Testament destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed")). It signifies a conscious, painful, and perpetual suffering, indicating a state of complete devastation and separation from God's favor.
* **"in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb":** This final phrase adds a profound dimension to the judgment. The torment is not hidden but is openly witnessed by the "holy angels" and, most significantly, "the Lamb." This public display underscores the righteousness and justice of God's judgment. It serves as a vindication of God's character and a testament to the Lamb's ultimate triumph, demonstrating that even those who rejected His sacrifice will bear witness to His righteous authority.

#### Literary Devices
[Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath") is rich with powerful **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "wine of the wrath of God" and "cup of his indignation" are potent metaphors for divine judgment, drawing on ancient practices where a cup could symbolize one's destiny or lot. The act of drinking implies forced consumption of the consequences of one's actions. The phrase "without mixture" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** and **Emphasis**, dramatically underscoring the undiluted, pure, and unmitigated nature of God's wrath, leaving no room for mercy or alleviation. The imagery of "fire and brimstone" is deeply rooted **Allusion** to Old Testament narratives, particularly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a powerful symbol of complete and eternal devastation. Finally, the repetition of "in the presence of" creates **Parallelism** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the public and undeniable nature of this judgment, witnessed by both heavenly beings and the very Lamb who offered salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the doctrine of divine retribution, emphasizing that God's justice is not merely punitive but perfectly righteous and inevitable for those who persistently reject His sovereignty and embrace evil. It reveals a God who is not indifferent to human rebellion but whose holy character demands a response to sin. The "wine of wrath" signifies the full measure of divine judgment, a concept found throughout Scripture, underscoring that God's patience has limits and that unrepentant sin ultimately leads to a terrifying, self-chosen destiny. The presence of the holy angels and the Lamb during this torment highlights the transparency and vindication of God's justice before all creation, demonstrating that His judgments are just and true.

* [Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath")
* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath") serves as a solemn and urgent warning, a stark reminder of the eternal consequences of our choices. It compels us to consider the gravity of allegiance: to whom or what do we ultimately pledge our loyalty? In a world that often downplays sin or dismisses divine judgment, this verse reaffirms God's absolute holiness and His commitment to justice. For believers, it should deepen our gratitude for the salvation offered through Christ, who bore the wrath we deserved. For those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, it is a profound call to repentance and faith, urging them to flee from the coming wrath by embracing the grace freely offered. It reminds us that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and that the ultimate outcome of rejecting His love is a terrifying, self-chosen separation from Him and His goodness. This passage should motivate us to live lives of faithful obedience, sharing the gospel with urgency, and standing firm against the allure of worldly systems that oppose God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "wine of wrath" and "fire and brimstone" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice?**
* **What does the phrase "without mixture" imply about the nature of God's judgment, and how does this affect your perspective on sin?**
* **How should the fact that this torment occurs "in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb" impact your view of God's righteousness and the seriousness of rebellion?**
* **In what ways might this verse serve as a warning against compromising one's faith or aligning with worldly systems that oppose Christ?**
* **How does the severity of this judgment highlight the immense value and urgency of the gospel message?**

### FAQ

**What does "wine of the wrath of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "wine of the wrath of God" is a powerful biblical metaphor, frequently used in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling"), [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath")), to symbolize the full, intoxicating, and devastating measure of divine judgment. It represents the consequences of unrepentant sin and rebellion against God, which the wicked are forced to "drink" or experience in its entirety. The term "wine" here signifies the potent, unadulterated nature of this judgment, leading to spiritual intoxication and ultimate ruin.

**Why is the wrath "poured out without mixture"?**

Answer: In ancient times, wine was often diluted with water to make it less potent. The phrase "without mixture" (Greek: _ákratos_) emphasizes that God's wrath will be undiluted, pure, and unmitigated. This means there will be no mercy, no softening, and no lessening of the judgment for those who have definitively chosen to worship the beast and receive its mark. It signifies the full, unadulterated intensity and severity of God's righteous indignation, poured out in its most potent form. This highlights the absolute finality and unyielding nature of this divine retribution.

**What is the significance of the torment occurring "in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb"?**

Answer: The fact that the torment occurs "in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb" is highly significant. It underscores that God's judgment is not hidden but is a public, open, and undeniably righteous act. The holy angels, who serve God and carry out His will, bear witness to the justice of His decrees. Most profoundly, the presence of "the Lamb" (Jesus Christ) serves as a stark contrast and a powerful vindication. It demonstrates that those who rejected His atoning sacrifice and chose rebellion will face the very One they spurned, witnessing His righteous authority as Judge. This public display serves to glorify God's justice and righteousness before all of creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath") vividly portrays the terrifying reality of God's wrath, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound contrast it presents to the gospel. This verse highlights the just recompense for those who reject the Lamb, but it simultaneously magnifies the immeasurable grace and substitutionary atonement offered by Christ. The "wine of the wrath of God" is the cup that Jesus willingly drank on the cross, as foreshadowed in His prayer in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"), where He asked if this "cup" could pass from Him ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He, the sinless Lamb, bore the full, unmixed indignation of God's wrath against sin, so that those who believe in Him would never have to experience it. His suffering with "fire and brimstone" (figuratively, the full torment of divine abandonment and judgment) on the cross means that believers are forever delivered from the "wrath to come" ([1_thessalonians/1-10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Delivered from Wrath")). Thus, this passage, while terrifying for the unrepentant, serves to highlight the glorious and complete salvation accomplished by the Lamb, who, though present at the judgment as a witness to justice, first stood in the place of sinners to absorb the very wrath described here, offering eternal life to all who turn to Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Revelation 16:19

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.

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Jeremiah 25:17

Then took I the cup at the LORD'S hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:

Psalms 75:8

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

Psalms 11:6

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

Revelation 19:20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.