Revelation 14:17

And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

And {G2532} another {G243} angel {G32} came {G1831} out of {G1537} the temple {G3485} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, he {G846} also {G2532} having {G2192} a sharp {G3691} sickle {G1407}.

Another angel came out of the Temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.

And another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

Revelation 14:17 introduces a pivotal moment in the prophetic visions of the Book of Revelation, signaling the imminent execution of divine judgment upon the earth. This verse describes the appearance of another angel, emerging from the heavenly temple, equipped with a sharp sickle, ready for the final harvest of judgment.

Context of Revelation 14:17

This verse is part of a series of visions in Revelation chapter 14 that portray God's ultimate victory and the consequences for those who reject Him. Prior to this, the chapter presents the 144,000 redeemed, the proclamation of the eternal gospel by three angels, and solemn warnings against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark. The preceding verses introduce the concept of a dual harvest: one for the righteous (harvested by the Son of Man in Revelation 14:14-16) and another for the wicked, which begins with the imagery presented in this verse.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Origin of Judgment: The angel coming "out of the temple which is in heaven" emphasizes that this judgment is not arbitrary but originates directly from God's holy presence and sovereign authority. The temple in heaven represents the seat of God's justice and holiness.
  • Imminent Judgment: The presence of an angel with a "sharp sickle" signifies readiness and the swift execution of God's judgment. The sickle, typically an agricultural tool for harvesting, is here a symbol of divine wrath and separation.
  • Preparation for the Winepress: This verse sets the stage for the terrifying imagery of the "great winepress of the wrath of God" described in Revelation 14:19-20, where the wicked will face the full measure of God's indignation.
  • Finality of God's Plan: The sequence of angels and their specific tasks underscores the methodical and complete nature of God's end-time plan, culminating in the righteous receiving their reward and the wicked facing their due.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sickle" is drepanon (δρέπανον), which denotes a cutting instrument, often used for reaping. The description of it as "sharp" (ὀξύς, oxys) further emphasizes its effectiveness and the decisive nature of the impending judgment. This imagery draws on agricultural metaphors common in biblical prophecy to describe the gathering of humanity for either salvation or condemnation, similar to the parable of the tares in Matthew 13:39 where "the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."

Reflection and Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 14:17 offers a solemn reminder of God's ultimate justice and His unwavering commitment to judging wickedness. While the imagery is stark, it provides assurance that evil will not prevail indefinitely and that those who persecute God's people will face divine reckoning. It calls for continued faithfulness and perseverance in light of the coming judgment, urging all to heed the warnings and embrace the eternal gospel proclaimed earlier in the chapter. This verse underscores the importance of choosing wisely in this life, aligning with God's will, as the time of final separation and judgment will surely come.

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 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 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.

  • Revelation 15:5

    ¶ And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

  • Revelation 15:6

    And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

  • 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 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.

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