Revelation 14:15

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

And {G2532} another {G243} angel {G32} came {G1831} out of {G1537} the temple {G3485}, crying {G2896} with {G1722} a loud {G3173} voice {G5456} to him that sat {G2521} on {G1909} the cloud {G3507}, Thrust in {G3992} thy {G4675} sickle {G1407}, and {G2532} reap {G2325}: for {G3754} the time {G5610} is come {G2064} for thee {G4671} to reap {G2325}; for {G3754} the harvest {G2326} of the earth {G1093} is ripe {G3583}.

Another angel came out of the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, “Start using your sickle to reap, because the time to reap has come — the earth’s harvest is ripe!”

Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest; for the crop of the earth is ripe.”

And another angel came out from the temple, crying with a great voice to him that sat on the cloud, Send forth thy sickle, and reap: for the hour to reap is come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Revelation 14:15 depicts a pivotal moment in the unfolding visions of the end times, symbolizing the commencement of divine judgment upon the earth. This verse is part of a series of angelic pronouncements and introduces the powerful imagery of a spiritual harvest.

Context

In Revelation chapter 14, John sees a sequence of visions that counteract the dominion of the beast and his mark, which were described in the preceding chapters. After the vision of the 144,000 redeemed standing with the Lamb on Mount Sion (Revelation 14:1), three angels proclaim the eternal gospel, announce the fall of Babylon, and warn against worshipping the beast. Following these warnings, Revelation 14:15 introduces the first of two harvest scenes, signaling that the time for God's definitive action has arrived after a period of grace and warning.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The central theme is the initiation of God's righteous judgment upon the earth. The command to "Thrust in thy sickle, and reap" is an unmistakable call to execute divine justice.
  • Sovereignty and Timing: The phrase "the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe" underscores God's perfect timing and absolute sovereignty over all events, including the precise moment of judgment.
  • Christ's Role in Judgment: The figure "him that sat on the cloud" is widely understood to be Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who has authority to judge. This imagery echoes prophetic visions in the Old Testament, such as Daniel 7:13, and New Testament teachings about Christ's return in glory, as seen in Matthew 24:30.
  • The Ripeness of Humanity: The "harvest of the earth is ripe" signifies that humanity has reached a point of full maturity in either rebellion or readiness, making it time for separation and final accountability. For the wicked, their iniquity has reached its full measure.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sickle" is drepanon (δρέπανον), a tool used for cutting grain or grapes. In biblical prophecy, particularly in contexts of judgment, it consistently symbolizes the instrument of divine separation and reckoning. The term "ripe" (from exeranthe - ἐξηράνθη, meaning "dried up" or "withered") suggests a state of readiness for cutting or gathering, implying the culmination of conditions that necessitate the harvest, whether for salvation or judgment.

Practical Application

Revelation 14:15 serves as a solemn reminder of the reality of divine judgment and God's ultimate justice. It encourages believers to live with an awareness of eternity, knowing that God will one day bring all things to account. For those who have rejected God, it underscores the urgency of repentance and faith, as there is an appointed time when the opportunity for grace will pass. This verse also offers comfort to the persecuted righteous, knowing that God sees all injustice and will ultimately bring vindication and true justice. The imagery of the harvest reminds us that our lives are continually moving towards a culmination, and we should strive to be found ready when the Lord calls for the reaping.

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.

  • Joel 3:13

    Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.

  • Jeremiah 51:33

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon [is] like a threshingfloor, [it is] time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.

  • Mark 4:29

    But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

  • Matthew 13:39

    The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

  • Matthew 13:30

    Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

  • Revelation 14:18

    And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

  • Matthew 23:32

    Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

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