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.
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}.
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.”
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.”
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.
-
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?
Revelation 14:11 delivers a solemn warning concerning the eternal consequences for those who choose to align themselves with the forces of evil during the end times, specifically the Beast and his system. This verse paints a stark picture of perpetual torment for those who reject God's sovereignty and embrace idolatry.
Context
This verse is part of a powerful sequence in Revelation Chapter 14, which contrasts the destiny of the faithful with that of the wicked. Immediately preceding this, three angelic messages are proclaimed: the eternal gospel (Revelation 14:6-7), the fall of Babylon (Revelation 14:8), and the severe warning against worshipping the Beast and receiving his mark (Revelation 14:9-10). Verse 11 elaborates on the precise nature of the judgment threatened in the preceding verse, emphasizing its unending nature. It stands in stark contrast to the blessed rest promised to those who die in the Lord, as described just two verses later in Revelation 14:13.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "for ever and ever" translates the Greek eis aiōnas aiōnōn (εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων), which literally means "unto ages of ages." This strong superlative expression in Greek emphatically denotes an unending, eternal duration, emphasizing the permanence of this judgment. Similarly, "no rest" (οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνάπαυσιν - ouk echousin anapausin) highlights the absolute absence of relief, peace, or cessation from suffering, a stark contrast to the concept of rest found in other parts of Scripture for the righteous.
Practical Application
Revelation 14:11 serves as a profound warning and a call to serious reflection. It underscores the critical importance of allegiance:
- Choose Wisely: It highlights the ultimate consequences of choosing to follow worldly systems and powers over God. There are eternal implications for our decisions in this life.
- Urgency of the Gospel: The severity of this judgment reinforces the urgency of the "eternal gospel" proclaimed earlier in Revelation 14, urging all people to fear God and give Him glory.
- Commitment to Christ: It calls believers to steadfastness and perseverance, reminding them of the ultimate price for compromise with ungodly systems and the glorious promise of eternal peace and comfort in God's presence for those who endure.
This verse, while terrifying in its description, is ultimately a testament to God's justice and a solemn plea for humanity to choose life through faith in Jesus Christ.