Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

And {G2532} I heard {G191} a voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} saying {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Write {G1125}, Blessed {G3107} are the dead {G3498} which {G3588} die {G599} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962} from henceforth {G534}: Yea {G3483}, saith {G3004} the Spirit {G4151}, that {G2443} they may rest {G373} from {G1537} their {G846} labours {G2873}; and {G1161} their {G846} works {G2041} do follow {G190}{G3326} them {G846}.

Next I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: ‘How blessed are the dead who die united with the Lord, from now on!’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘now they may rest from their efforts, for the things they have accomplished follow along with them.’”

And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.”

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.

Revelation 14:13 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers, particularly those facing tribulation or death for their faith. It declares a divine blessing upon those who 'die in the Lord,' promising them rest from their earthly struggles and affirming that their faithful deeds will not be forgotten but will follow them into eternity. This verse stands as a powerful counterpoint to the preceding warnings of judgment, highlighting the blessed destiny of God's loyal followers.

Context

This pivotal verse is situated within the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation, specifically between the dire warnings of judgment on those who worship the Beast and receive its mark (Revelation 14:9-11) and the subsequent visions of harvest and vintage, symbolizing final judgment. Chapter 14 vividly contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessed destiny of God's faithful people. In a time of intense persecution and spiritual warfare, Revelation 14:13 serves as a profound encouragement to endure, knowing that death in Christ is not an end, but a transition to a divinely sanctioned state of blessedness and reward.

Key Themes

  • The Blessedness of Dying in the Lord: The phrase "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord" refers to believers who maintain their faith and allegiance to Christ until death, especially in times of great tribulation or martyrdom. This blessing (Greek: makarios) signifies a state of supreme happiness, divine favor, and eternal joy, contrasting sharply with the eternal doom of the ungodly. It underscores the ultimate triumph of faith over suffering and death. The call to be faithful unto death is profoundly echoed here.
  • Rest from Their Labours: The promise "that they may rest from their labours" speaks of a cessation of earthly toil, suffering, and persecution. This rest (Greek: anapausis) is not mere inactivity but a state of peace, refreshment, and freedom from the burdens of life, especially the arduous struggles of faith in a hostile world. It points to a divine repose, fulfilling the longing for a Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God. The term "labours" (Greek: kopos) emphasizes the painful effort and weariness associated with their earthly struggles.
  • Their Works Do Follow Them: This powerful statement means that the deeds, sacrifices, and faithful service performed by believers during their earthly lives are not forgotten or rendered meaningless. Instead, they are acknowledged, remembered, and rewarded by God in eternity. It emphasizes divine justice and the enduring value of a life lived for Christ, offering a profound incentive for perseverance and righteous living. It aligns with the principle that a believer's work will be tested and rewarded. The "works" (Greek: erga) refer to actions that demonstrate genuine faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "blessed" is makarios (μακάριος), which denotes a state of supreme happiness or felicity, often bestowed by God. It is a divine declaration of well-being. The term "rest" is anapausis (ἀνάπαυσις), implying refreshment, cessation from labor, or repose, a comforting thought for those worn out by tribulation. "Labours" comes from kopos (κόπος), referring to toil, trouble, or painful effort, often implying weariness or exhaustion. Finally, "works" is erga (ἔργα), emphasizing that a believer's life of faith is demonstrated through their actions, which have eternal significance.

Practical Application

Revelation 14:13 serves as an immense source of comfort for those grieving the loss of loved ones who died in faith, reassuring them of their blessed state and eternal rest. For believers still living, it provides powerful encouragement to endure trials and persecution, knowing that their struggles and sacrifices for Christ are not in vain. It challenges us to live lives that produce "works" worthy of following us, encouraging perseverance, faithfulness, and diligent service, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure in Christ and our righteous deeds will be eternally acknowledged.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 20:6

    Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10

    Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

  • Hebrews 4:9

    There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

  • Hebrews 4:11

    ¶ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

  • 2 Timothy 4:8

    Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16

    For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

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