Revelation 14:14

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

And {G2532} I looked {G1492}, and {G2532} behold {G2400} a white {G3022} cloud {G3507}, and {G2532} upon {G1909} the cloud {G3507} one sat {G2521} like {G3664} unto the Son {G5207} of man {G444}, having {G2192} on {G1909} his {G846} head {G2776} a golden {G5552} crown {G4735}, and {G2532} in {G1722} his {G846} hand {G5495} a sharp {G3691} sickle {G1407}.

Then I looked, and there before me was a white cloud. Sitting on the cloud was someone like a Son of Man with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.

And I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand.

And I saw, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloudI sawone sitting like unto a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

Revelation 14:14 introduces a pivotal and awe-inspiring vision within the apocalyptic narrative, depicting the second coming of Jesus Christ for the purpose of judgment and harvest. John sees a figure seated on a white cloud, identified as "like unto the Son of man," adorned with a golden crown and holding a sharp sickle. This powerful imagery signals the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the beginning of final judgments.

Context

This verse is part of a sequence of visions in Revelation 14 that immediately precede the pouring out of the seven bowls of wrath. Following the presentation of the 144,000 redeemed on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1-5) and the proclamation of three angels warning humanity about the eternal gospel and the fall of Babylon (Revelation 14:6-11), verse 14 shifts focus to the divine agent of judgment. This vision sets the stage for the "harvest of the earth," a metaphor for the gathering of both the righteous and the wicked.

Key Themes

  • The Return of Christ: The description "like unto the Son of man" is a direct reference to Jesus Christ, a title He frequently used for Himself, particularly in relation to His future advent and judgment (See Daniel 7:13). His appearance on a "white cloud" further echoes His ascension and promised return (Acts 1:9-11), symbolizing divine glory and authority.
  • Sovereignty and Authority: The "golden crown" (Greek: stephanos, a victor's crown) signifies Christ's ultimate victory, royal authority, and divine kingship over all creation. He is not just coming as a judge, but as the reigning King.
  • Divine Judgment and Harvest: The "sharp sickle" is an agricultural tool powerfully used as a metaphor for divine judgment. Just as a farmer harvests crops, so too will Christ execute judgment, separating the righteous (the good grain) from the wicked (the ripe grapes of wrath, as seen in Revelation 14:19-20). This imagery underlines the certainty and impartiality of God's final reckoning.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: huios tou anthrōpou) is crucial. It’s a messianic title emphasizing both Christ's true humanity and His divine, authoritative role, especially in His capacity as judge and king. The "white cloud" (Greek: nephelē leukē) consistently symbolizes God's presence, purity, and divine transportation throughout Scripture, linking this vision to other biblical accounts of God's manifest glory. The "sharp sickle" (Greek: drepanon oxu) highlights the decisive and swift nature of the impending judgment.

Practical Application

Revelation 14:14 serves as both a comfort and a warning. For believers, it offers assurance that Christ will indeed return to gather His own, bringing an end to suffering and injustice. It reinforces the hope of eternal life and vindication. For those who reject Christ, it is a stark reminder of the inevitable judgment to come. This verse calls all people to live in readiness and repentance, acknowledging Christ's ultimate authority and the certainty of His return.

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.

  • Daniel 7:13

    I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

  • Isaiah 19:1

    ¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • Revelation 1:13

    And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

  • Hebrews 2:9

    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

  • Psalms 97:2

    Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

  • Luke 21:27

    And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

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