Revelation 14:11

KJV

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the smoke {G2586} of their {G846} torment {G929} ascendeth up {G305} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}: and {G2532} they have {G2192} no {G3756} rest {G372} day {G2250} nor {G2532} night {G3571}, who {G3588} worship {G4352} the beast {G2342} and {G2532} his {G846} image {G1504}, and {G2532} whosoever {G1536} receiveth {G2983} the mark {G5480} of his {G846} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the smoke from their tormenting goes up forever and ever. They have no rest, day or night, those who worship the beast and its image and those who receive the mark of its name.”

Berean Standard Bible

And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

American Standard Version

and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:11 delivers a profound and sobering warning regarding the eternal and unceasing consequences for those who reject God's sovereignty and align themselves with the anti-Christian forces of the Beast and his system. This verse starkly portrays a future of perpetual torment, devoid of any rest or relief, for those who choose idolatry and rebellion over the worship of the one true God, emphasizing the gravity of allegiance in the final days.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of Revelation (chapters 12-14) that introduces the primary antagonists (the Dragon, the Beast from the Sea, and the Beast from the Earth) and contrasts their destructive work with God's redemptive plan. Specifically, [Revelation 14](/revelation/14 "Revelation 14 - The Lamb, the 144,000, and Angelic Messages") presents a series of prophetic visions and angelic proclamations that set the stage for the final judgments. Immediately preceding verse 11 are the messages of three angels: the first proclaiming the "eternal gospel" and calling all to worship the Creator ([Revelation 14:6-7](/revelation/14-6-7 "Revelation 14:6-7 - The Eternal Gospel")), the second announcing the fall of Babylon ([Revelation 14:8](/revelation/14-8 "Revelation 14:8 - The Fall of Babylon")), and the third delivering a severe warning against worshipping the Beast and receiving his mark, explicitly stating that such individuals "shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God" ([Revelation 14:9-10](/revelation/14-9-10 "Revelation 14:9-10 - Warning Against the Beast's Mark")). Verse 11 elaborates on the nature and duration of this "wrath," providing a vivid description of the unceasing torment. It stands in stark contrast to the blessed rest promised to the faithful martyrs just two verses later in [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed Are the Dead in the Lord"), highlighting the binary destinies presented in this eschatological narrative.
* **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). The "Beast" and "his image" would have resonated with the imperial cult, where emperor worship was enforced, and loyalty to Rome was often demonstrated through participation in pagan rituals. Refusal to worship the emperor or participate in these rites could lead to severe economic hardship, social ostracization, and even martyrdom. The "mark of his name" likely alludes to the economic and social control exerted by the Roman system, where participation in commerce or public life might require adherence to imperial decrees or pagan practices. The imagery of "smoke ascending for ever and ever" draws upon Old Testament depictions of divine judgment, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:28](/genesis/19-28 "Genesis 19:28 - Smoke of the Land")), and the perpetual burning of Edom ([Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Edom's Perpetual Burning")), which conveyed a sense of utter and irreversible devastation. The concept of "no rest day nor night" would have been particularly terrifying in a world where physical labor was constant and rest was a cherished, often elusive, commodity.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 14:11 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book. The theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution** is central, illustrating the absolute certainty and severity of God's wrath against rebellion and idolatry. This verse emphasizes the **Eternity of Punishment**, portraying a conscious and unending suffering for those who reject God's authority, a concept echoed in other New Testament passages concerning final judgment, such as [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment"). The **Worship of the Beast and His Image** directly relates to the theme of **Idolatry vs. True Worship**, highlighting the ultimate allegiance demanded by the anti-Christian power and its system, as detailed in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beasts and Their Authority"). This stands in stark opposition to the call to "worship him who made heaven and earth" ([Revelation 14:7](/revelation/14-7 "Revelation 14:7 - Worship the Creator")). Finally, **Receiving the Mark of His Name** symbolizes complete identification with and submission to the Beast's economic and political control, signifying a deliberate and public choice against God and His people, a critical aspect of the **Perseverance of the Saints** theme, which calls believers to endure despite immense pressure to compromise their faith ([Revelation 13:16-17](/revelation/13-16-17 "Revelation 13:16-17 - The Mark of the Beast")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ever (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** From G165, properly "an age," but by extension, "perpetuity." In this context, the repetition "for ever and ever" (εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων, _eis aiōnas aiōnōn_) forms a strong superlative expression in Greek, emphatically denoting an unending, eternal duration. This phrase is used elsewhere in Revelation and the New Testament to describe the eternal nature of God's reign and glory, underscoring the absolute permanence of the torment described here.
* **rest (Greek, _anápausis'_):** From G372, meaning "intermission" or "recreation." The phrase "no rest" (οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνάpausin, _ouk echousin anapausin_) signifies an absolute and complete absence of cessation, relief, or peace from suffering. It stands in direct contrast to the spiritual and physical rest promised to the righteous in other biblical passages, emphasizing the ceaseless and unrelenting nature of the described torment.
* **mark (Greek, _cháragma'_):** From G5480, meaning "a scratch or etching," specifically "a stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue)." In the context of Revelation, this term refers to a distinguishing sign or seal, often associated with ownership or allegiance. Receiving the "mark of his name" signifies a deliberate and public declaration of loyalty to the Beast and his system, indicating full participation in and submission to his authority, often with economic or social implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:"** This clause vividly describes the perpetual nature of the suffering. The "smoke" symbolizes the visible evidence of an ongoing, unceasing fire of judgment, drawing on Old Testament imagery of divine wrath (e.g., [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Edom's Perpetual Burning")). The phrase "for ever and ever" (εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων) emphatically denotes an eternal, unending duration, stressing the irreversible and ceaseless quality of this torment.
* **"and they have no rest day nor night,"** This phrase further emphasizes the relentless and unceasing nature of the torment. "No rest" signifies a complete absence of relief, peace, or cessation from suffering. The specification "day nor night" underscores the continuous, uninterrupted experience of anguish, highlighting the utter despair and lack of respite for those undergoing this judgment.
* **"who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."** This final clause explicitly identifies the recipients of this eternal torment. Their condemnation is directly linked to their deliberate actions: "worshipping the beast and his image" signifies giving ultimate allegiance, devotion, and homage to the anti-Christian power and its idolatrous system. "Receiving the mark of his name" indicates a public, conscious, and identifying commitment to the Beast's authority, often implying participation in his economic and social structures, thereby rejecting God's rightful claim to worship and allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 14:11 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its solemn message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "for ever and ever" and "no rest day nor night," which emphasizes the extreme and unending nature of the torment. While literally denoting eternity, the hyperbolic language serves to impress upon the reader the utter finality and severity of God's judgment. **Symbolism** is also evident, with "smoke" representing the visible, enduring evidence of divine wrath and destruction, a recurring motif in apocalyptic literature. The "Beast," "his image," and "the mark of his name" are profound **symbols** of idolatrous power, antichristian authority, and ultimate allegiance, respectively. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly juxtaposing the perpetual torment of the wicked with the promised "rest" for the righteous found elsewhere in Revelation, particularly in [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed Are the Dead in the Lord"). This stark contrast heightens the urgency of the warning and the blessedness of faithful endurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:11 stands as a stark theological declaration of divine justice and the ultimate consequences of human rebellion against God. It underscores the profound seriousness of allegiance and worship, asserting that the choice to align with worldly systems and idolatrous powers over the Creator carries eternal ramifications. This verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous judgment against sin, particularly the sin of idolatry and defiance. It highlights the biblical truth that human choices have eternal weight, and a deliberate rejection of God's authority, manifested through the worship of the Beast and acceptance of his mark, leads to an irreversible state of separation from God's presence and an unending experience of His wrath. This is not arbitrary punishment but the just outcome for those who persistently choose darkness over light, rebellion over submission, and self-worship over divine worship.

* [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Wicked")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:8-9](/2_thessalonians/1-8-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 - Eternal Destruction from the Lord")
* [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:11, while terrifying in its imagery, serves as a profound call to introspection and a powerful reminder of the eternal stakes involved in our earthly choices. It compels us to critically examine where our ultimate allegiance lies: is it with the fleeting systems and values of this world, or with the eternal God? This verse underscores the absolute necessity of choosing Christ, for there is no neutral ground in the spiritual battle. It should ignite within believers a renewed sense of urgency for the gospel, compelling us to share the good news of salvation with those who are yet to choose Christ, understanding the dire alternative. For those who have committed their lives to Christ, it serves as a powerful encouragement to persevere in faithfulness, to resist the allure of worldly compromise, and to remain steadfast in our worship and testimony, knowing that our temporary afflictions are incomparable to the eternal peace and rest promised to the faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does this verse reveal about the gravity of our choices regarding allegiance and worship?**
* **How does the concept of "no rest day nor night" contrast with the "rest" promised to believers in other parts of Scripture, and what comfort does that contrast offer?**
* **In what ways might we, in our contemporary context, be tempted to "worship the beast and his image" or "receive the mark of his name" through subtle forms of idolatry or compromise?**
* **How should the solemn warning of this verse motivate us to live more faithfully and to share the gospel with greater urgency?**

### FAQ
**Does "for ever and ever" truly mean unending torment, or is it symbolic of complete destruction?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever and ever" (Greek: _eis aiōnas aiōnōn_) is a strong superlative expression in Greek, consistently used in the New Testament to denote unending duration, particularly in reference to God's eternal nature and reign (e.g., [Revelation 1:6](/revelation/1-6 "Revelation 1:6 - Glory to Him Forever")). When applied to the torment of the wicked, as in [Revelation 14:11](/revelation/14-11 "Revelation 14:11 - Eternal Torment") and [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Torment Forever and Ever"), it strongly indicates a conscious and perpetual state of suffering, not annihilation. The accompanying phrase "they have no rest day nor night" further emphasizes the ceaseless nature of this torment, ruling out a temporary or finite punishment that culminates in non-existence. While the imagery is symbolic, the duration it describes is consistently presented as eternal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 14:11, with its stark depiction of eternal torment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy of Jesus's actions, but in the profound contrast it presents to the salvation He offers. The torment described is the just consequence for rejecting the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy of worship and who bore the wrath of God on the cross. Jesus's atoning sacrifice on Calvary is the ultimate provision for humanity to escape this very judgment. He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the propitiation for our sins, thereby absorbing the divine wrath that would otherwise lead to eternal separation and torment. Those who "worship the beast and his image" are those who refuse the gracious invitation of Christ, the true King, and instead pledge allegiance to a counterfeit kingdom. The "rest" denied to the wicked in this verse is precisely the spiritual and eternal rest promised to those who come to Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")). Thus, this verse serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the immense grace and unparalleled deliverance found only in Christ, who offers eternal life and peace in stark contrast to the eternal judgment faced by those who reject Him.

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 19:3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

Isaiah 34:10

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Revelation 14:9

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Isaiah 33:14

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?