Revelation 14:16

KJV

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he that sat {G2521} on {G1909} the cloud {G3507} thrust in {G906} his {G846} sickle {G1407} on {G1909} the earth {G1093}; and {G2532} the earth {G1093} was reaped {G2325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Berean Standard Bible

So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

American Standard Version

And he that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:16 vividly portrays the climactic execution of divine judgment upon the earth, as a figure seated on a cloud, identified with the Son of Man, forcefully deploys a sickle, signifying the comprehensive and irreversible reaping of the wicked. This powerful imagery concludes the prophetic 'harvest' metaphor, underscoring the certainty of God's righteous wrath and the final separation of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 14:16 stands as the culmination of a significant visionary sequence within the book of Revelation, specifically following the introduction of the Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion in [Revelation 14:1-5](/revelation/14-1-5 "Revelation 14:1-5 - The Lamb and the 144,000"). This is immediately succeeded by the proclamations of three angels, delivering the "everlasting gospel" and stern warnings against worshipping the Beast and receiving its mark ([Revelation 14:6-12](/revelation/14-6-12 "Revelation 14:6-12 - The Three Angels' Messages")). The vision then shifts to the "blessed dead" ([Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed Are the Dead")), leading directly into the harvest judgment. The figure "like unto the Son of man" on the cloud with a sharp sickle is introduced in [Revelation 14:14](/revelation/14-14 "Revelation 14:14 - The Son of Man on a Cloud"), and an angel from the temple commands him to "thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe" in [Revelation 14:15](/revelation/14-15 "Revelation 14:15 - Command to Reap"). Verse 16 is the direct fulfillment of this command, initiating the first phase of the final judgment, distinct from the subsequent "winepress of God's wrath" in [Revelation 14:17-20](/revelation/14-17-20 "Revelation 14:17-20 - The Winepress of God's Wrath").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of harvest was deeply familiar to John's original audience, an agrarian society where the reaping of crops was a central annual event. This common agricultural practice served as a powerful metaphor for judgment and separation throughout ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of divine judgment was also prevalent, though often tied to various deities and fate. For early Christians facing persecution under the Roman Empire, such visions of a just God intervening to right wrongs and judge oppressors would have offered immense hope and vindication. The "cloud" imagery for divine figures or messengers was a well-established motif in both Old Testament theophanies (e.g., [Exodus 19:9](/exodus/19-9 "Exodus 19:9 - God's Presence on Mount Sinai")) and New Testament accounts of Christ's ascension and return (e.g., [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")).

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical prophecy. Foremost is **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty and justice in bringing an end to human rebellion and wickedness. The "sickle" and "reaping" imagery are central to the **Harvest Metaphor**, which consistently signifies a time of separation and judgment, where the righteous are gathered for salvation and the wicked for destruction, as seen in Jesus' parables of the wheat and tares ([Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - Parable of the Weeds")) and the net ([Matthew 13:47-50](/matthew/13-47-50 "Matthew 13:47-50 - Parable of the Net")). This judgment is executed by the **Authority of the Son of Man**, a title consistently applied to Jesus Christ, underscoring His unique role as both the suffering servant and the appointed judge of all creation, linking back to the prophetic vision in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sat (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** From a root meaning "to sit down," this word denotes a posture of authority, rest, or established presence. In this context, the one "sitting on the cloud" is not merely present but is enthroned, indicating sovereign power and the right to judge.
* **thrust in (Greek, _bállō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to throw" or "to cast," often implying a forceful, decisive, and sometimes violent action. Here, it emphasizes the swift, unhesitating, and powerful initiation of the harvest, not a gentle gathering but a forceful deployment of the instrument of judgment.
* **sickle (Greek, _drépanon'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to pluck," this term refers to a gathering hook, specifically an implement used for harvesting crops. In the apocalyptic vision, it functions as a potent symbol of judgment, representing the tool by which the "harvest" (i.e., the wicked) is gathered for destruction.
* **reaped (Greek, _therízō'_):** From a word related to "crop" or "summer," this verb means "to harvest." Used in the passive voice ("was reaped"), it signifies that the action of harvesting was completed upon the earth, indicating a thorough and effective execution of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that sat on the cloud":** This clause identifies the divine agent of judgment, linking back to [Revelation 14:14](/revelation/14-14 "Revelation 14:14 - The Son of Man on a Cloud") where "one like unto the Son of man" is seen. His position "on the cloud" signifies divine authority, heavenly origin, and a role as judge, echoing Old Testament imagery of God's presence and New Testament depictions of Christ's return.
* **"thrust in his sickle on the earth":** This describes the decisive and forceful action of initiating the judgment. The "sickle" is the instrument, symbolizing the means of separation and destruction, while "on the earth" specifies the scope and target of this divine intervention – the wicked inhabitants of the world. The verb "thrust in" conveys immediacy and power.
* **"and the earth was reaped":** This final clause states the immediate and complete outcome of the action. The passive voice "was reaped" emphasizes that the earth (its unrighteous inhabitants) became the object of this comprehensive harvest, signifying that the judgment was fully executed and its purpose achieved.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 14:16 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **Harvest Metaphor**, where the gathering of crops from a field is used to represent the gathering of humanity for divine judgment. The "sickle" is a potent **Symbolism**, representing the instrument of God's wrath and separation. The phrase "he that sat on the cloud" employs **Symbolism** for divine authority and **Typology**, drawing parallels to the "Son of Man" figure in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds") and Christ's own teachings about His return. The entire passage is an example of **Apocalyptic Literature**, characterized by vivid imagery, symbolic language, and a focus on cosmic conflict and ultimate divine victory. The forceful verb "thrust in" (KJV) or "cast" (Greek) uses **Vivid Imagery** to convey the decisive and unhesitating nature of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:16 underscores the profound biblical truth that God is sovereign over history and will ultimately bring all things to a just conclusion. This "reaping" is not a random event but a divinely appointed act of judgment, demonstrating God's righteousness in dealing with persistent rebellion and wickedness. It affirms that there is a definitive end to human history as we know it, marked by a clear separation between those who belong to God and those who have rejected Him. This judgment is both terrifying for the unrepentant and a source of profound comfort and vindication for the faithful, assuring them that divine justice will prevail and their suffering will not be in vain. The swiftness and completeness of the reaping highlight the finality and irreversibility of this divine decree.

* [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment")
* [Matthew 13:39-40](/matthew/13-39-40 "Matthew 13:39-40 - The Harvest at the End of the Age")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sharp Sickle of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:16 serves as a stark and solemn reminder of the certainty of divine judgment. For those who are in Christ, it offers profound comfort, knowing that God will ultimately rectify all wrongs, bring justice to the oppressed, and establish His righteous kingdom. This verse calls believers to live with a sense of urgency and fidelity, understanding that the time for repentance and commitment to Christ is now, before the final reaping. It encourages a life of spiritual vigilance, perseverance in faith, and unwavering witness to the gospel, knowing that the Lord of the harvest will soon return to gather His own and judge the world. It compels us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are found among the "wheat" and not the "tares" when the sickle is thrust in.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "harvest" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **What does the swift and complete "reaping" in this verse imply about the finality of decisions made during this life?**
* **In what ways should the certainty of future judgment motivate believers to live differently today?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he that sat on the cloud" in this verse?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in [Revelation 14:16](/revelation/14-16 "Revelation 14:16 - The Earth Reaped"), the preceding verse, [Revelation 14:14](/revelation/14-14 "Revelation 14:14 - The Son of Man on a Cloud"), identifies this figure as "one like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." This title, "Son of Man," is a clear messianic designation, frequently used by Jesus Himself to refer to His divine authority and future role as judge (e.g., [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man")). The imagery of sitting on a cloud also echoes Old Testament prophecies of divine judgment and the coming of the Messiah (e.g., [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds")). Therefore, "he that sat on the cloud" is widely understood to be Jesus Christ, exercising His sovereign authority in judgment.

**What does the "sickle" symbolize in this context?**

Answer: The "sickle" in [Revelation 14:16](/revelation/14-16 "Revelation 14:16 - The Earth Reaped") is a powerful symbol of divine judgment and separation. In an agricultural society, a sickle is used to harvest crops, separating the valuable grain from the stalks. Biblically, this metaphor is consistently applied to the end times, where humanity is "harvested" – the righteous gathered for salvation, and the wicked for destruction. It represents the instrument by which God's wrath is executed, bringing a decisive and irreversible end to the rebellion and sin on earth. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic passages that speak of the "harvest" as a time of judgment, such as [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment") and Jesus' parables in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 14:16, depicting the Son of Man as the divine Reaper, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' dual role as both Savior and Judge. While the primary emphasis here is on judgment, it is crucial to remember that this judgment is executed by the very one who first came to redeem humanity. Jesus Himself spoke extensively about the "harvest" as the "end of the age," where He, through His angels, would separate the righteous from the wicked ([Matthew 13:37-43](/matthew/13-37-43 "Matthew 13:37-43 - Explanation of the Parable of the Weeds")). His first coming was to save the world ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")), but His second coming, often depicted with clouds and great power, will be to judge the living and the dead ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man") and [Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge")). The "sickle" in His hand is not merely an instrument of wrath but a symbol of His sovereign authority to bring God's perfect justice to fruition, culminating the plan of redemption by removing all that opposes His reign and establishing His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, the judgment of the harvest is an integral part of Christ's complete work, bringing about the final triumph of His redemptive mission.

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

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Revelation 14:19

And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

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.

Revelation 16:1

¶ And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Revelation 16:21

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:23

That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.