Revelation 14:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the angel {G32} thrust in {G906} his {G846} sickle {G1407} into {G1519} the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} gathered {G5166} the vine {G288} of the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} cast {G906} it into {G1519} the great {G3173} winepress {G3025} of the wrath {G2372} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel swung his sickle down onto the earth, gathered the earth’s grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s fury.

Berean Standard Bible

So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.

American Standard Version

And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great winepress, of the wrath of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:19 vividly depicts the culmination of divine judgment upon the unrighteous, employing powerful agricultural imagery. This verse describes an angel executing God's command, thrusting a sickle into the earth to gather the "vine of the earth," which symbolizes humanity ripe for judgment. This harvest is then cast into the "great winepress of the wrath of God," a potent metaphor for the fierce and decisive outpouring of God's righteous indignation against those who have rejected His warnings and persecuted His people. It signifies the final, inescapable reckoning for all rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 14 is a pivotal chapter, serving as an interlude between the seven trumpets and the seven bowls of wrath, providing a panoramic view of the end-time conflict and God's ultimate triumph. It opens with the Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion, contrasting with the beast and his followers. This is followed by three angelic proclamations: the eternal gospel ([Revelation 14:6-7](/revelation/14-6-7 "Revelation 14:6-7 - The Proclamation of the Eternal Gospel")), a declaration of Babylon's fall ([Revelation 14:8](/revelation/14-8 "Revelation 14:8 - The Fall of Babylon")), and a severe warning against worshipping the beast and receiving his mark ([Revelation 14:9-11](/revelation/14-9-11 "Revelation 14:9-11 - Warning Against the Beast's Mark")). The chapter then shifts to two distinct "harvests": the harvest of the righteous, symbolized by grain gathered into God's barn ([Revelation 14:14-16](/revelation/14-14-16 "Revelation 14:14-16 - The Harvest of the Earth")), and the vintage of judgment, represented by grapes trampled in the winepress of God's wrath. Revelation 14:19 is the climax of this second harvest, detailing the gathering of the wicked for their final, crushing judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the harvest and the winepress was deeply familiar to John's original audience, rooted in the agricultural life of the ancient Near East. Grape cultivation and wine production were significant economic and cultural activities. A winepress typically consisted of two levels: an upper treading floor where grapes were crushed by foot, and a lower vat that collected the juice. This process was laborious and often messy. In biblical prophecy, the winepress frequently served as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, where the treading of grapes symbolized the trampling and destruction of God's enemies. This imagery draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, such as [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "Isaiah 63:3 - God's Judgment in Edom") and [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Winepress of Judgment"), making the scene of God's wrath both vivid and culturally resonant. The concept of divine wrath was not merely an emotional outburst but a righteous response to sin and rebellion, understood within a covenantal framework where God's justice ultimately prevails.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 14:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His ultimate, righteous reckoning with all forms of evil and rebellion. This verse underscores the certainty and severity of this judgment for those who reject God's grace and persist in their defiance, contrasting sharply with the blessedness of the saints mentioned in [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed are the Dead Who Die in the Lord"). The **Harvest Metaphor** is another crucial theme, portraying humanity as either ripe for salvation (the grain harvest) or ripe for judgment (the grape vintage). The "vine of the earth" specifically symbolizes humanity in its fallen state, particularly those who have aligned with the beast. Finally, the theme of **God's Wrath** is powerfully conveyed through the "great winepress," highlighting the intense, unmitigated outpouring of God's holy anger against sin, a wrath that is both just and final. This wrath is not arbitrary but is a necessary consequence of humanity's persistent rejection of God's truth and justice, as foreshadowed in passages like [Zephaniah 1:15](/zephaniah/1-15 "Zephaniah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sickle (Greek, _drépanon'_):** From a word meaning "to pluck," this refers to a gathering hook, specifically for harvesting. In this context, it is an instrument of divine judgment, wielded by an angel to "harvest" the wicked for destruction. Its use here signifies the readiness for judgment, much like a farmer determines when a crop is ripe for cutting.
* **vine (Greek, _ámpelos'_):** This word describes a vine, often coiling about a support. While Israel is often depicted as God's vine in the Old Testament ([Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard of the Lord")), here the "vine of the earth" (ámpelos tēs gēs) represents the unregenerate humanity, particularly those who have resisted God and persecuted His people. It signifies a collective body of the wicked, whose wickedness has reached its full measure, making them ripe for divine crushing.
* **winepress (Greek, _lēnós'_):** Apparently a primary word, this refers to a trough or wine-vat. In agricultural practice, it's where grapes are trodden to extract juice. Theologically, it becomes a powerful and terrifying symbol of God's crushing judgment, where the "juice" extracted is the blood of the wicked. The addition of "great" (mégas) emphasizes the immense scale and severity of this final judgment.
* **wrath (Greek, _thymós'_):** From a root meaning "to breathe hard," this word denotes a strong, passionate outburst of indignation or anger, often intense and fervent. Unlike _orgē_ (which can imply a more settled, abiding displeasure), _thymós_ emphasizes the immediate, overwhelming, and fierce nature of God's judgment. It is a righteous and holy anger against sin and rebellion, not an uncontrolled emotion, but a decisive act of divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth":** This clause initiates the final act of judgment. The angel, acting as God's agent, executes the divine decree. The "sickle" signifies the instrument of harvesting, but in this context, it is a tool of separation and destruction. "Into the earth" indicates the global scope of this judgment, encompassing all who dwell on the earth and are aligned against God.
* **"and gathered the vine of the earth":** Here, the object of the judgment is identified. The "vine of the earth" represents ungodly humanity, whose wickedness has ripened to a point where it is ready for the "vintage" of wrath. This gathering is not for salvation but for destruction, a collection of those whose deeds have merited divine retribution.
* **"and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God":** This is the ultimate destination and culmination of the judgment. The gathered "vine" is thrown into the "great winepress," a symbol of crushing, irreversible destruction. The phrase "of the wrath of God" explicitly names the force driving this judgment, emphasizing its divine origin, its righteous nature, and its terrifying intensity. The "great" descriptor underscores the immense scale and severity of this final outpouring of God's holy indignation.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 14:19 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, which are central to apocalyptic literature. The **sickle** symbolizes the instrument of divine judgment, wielded by an angelic reaper. The **vine of the earth** is a powerful metaphor for the unrighteous inhabitants of the world, whose sin has matured to the point of requiring judgment. This stands in stark contrast to Christ as the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")). The most potent symbol is the **winepress**, which functions as a **metaphor** for the crushing and destructive nature of God's wrath. The process of treading grapes, resulting in the outpouring of juice, vividly portrays the shedding of blood and the utter defeat of God's enemies. The **Imagery** is intensely visceral, evoking a sense of overwhelming power and inescapable doom, designed to impress upon the reader the terrifying reality of divine retribution. The use of "great" before "winepress" serves as an **Amplification**, intensifying the scale and ferocity of the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:19 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate triumph over evil. It underscores the biblical truth that sin will not go unpunished and that there will be a final, decisive reckoning for all who reject God's authority and grace. This "winepress of the wrath of God" signifies the full measure of divine retribution, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to human rebellion or the persecution of His saints. It is a necessary expression of His holiness and righteousness, ensuring that justice is fully served. For believers, this vision offers assurance that God sees and will avenge all injustice, while for the unrepentant, it serves as a solemn warning of the inescapable consequences of their choices.

* [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "God Treads the Winepress")
* [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "The Harvest of Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "The Cup of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:19 is a sobering verse that calls for deep reflection on the nature of God and the ultimate destiny of humanity. It confronts us with the reality of divine judgment, reminding us that God is not only love but also righteous and just, and He will indeed bring all things into account. This imagery should stir within us a profound sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness, and a healthy fear of His righteous anger against sin. For those who are living in rebellion against God, this verse serves as an urgent call to repentance and a warning to flee the wrath to come. For believers, it provides comfort and assurance that God is sovereign, that evil will not ultimately prevail, and that His justice will be perfectly executed. It also compels us to live lives that honor Him, to share the "eternal gospel" with urgency, and to persevere in faith, knowing that our ultimate hope is not in escaping earthly tribulation but in being found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "winepress of the wrath of God" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the urgency of responding to the gospel message?**
* **What comfort or warning does this passage offer to you personally, depending on your relationship with God?**
* **How should the certainty of future judgment influence the way believers live and witness in the present?**

### FAQ

**What is the "vine of the earth" in Revelation 14:19?**

Answer: The "vine of the earth" (Greek: _ámpelos tēs gēs_) in [Revelation 14:19](/revelation/14-19 "Revelation 14:19 - The Winepress of God's Wrath") symbolizes unregenerate humanity, specifically those who have rejected God's warnings, worshipped the beast, and persecuted God's people. Unlike Israel, which is sometimes depicted as God's vine in the Old Testament ([Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard of the Lord")), or Jesus as the "true vine" with His disciples as branches ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus, the True Vine")), the "vine of the earth" represents those whose wickedness has reached its full measure, making them ripe for divine judgment. It signifies the collective body of the wicked, ready to be "harvested" for destruction.

**What does the "great winepress of the wrath of God" symbolize?**

Answer: The "great winepress of the wrath of God" is a powerful and terrifying symbol of God's final, crushing judgment upon the wicked. In ancient times, a winepress was used to stomp grapes to extract their juice. Here, the imagery is transformed into a metaphor for the intense, violent outpouring of God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. The "juice" that flows from this winepress is symbolic of the blood and destruction of those who are judged. The term "great" emphasizes the immense scale, severity, and decisiveness of this divine retribution. This imagery is consistent with Old Testament prophetic depictions of judgment, such as [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Winepress of Judgment") and [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "Isaiah 63:3 - God Treads the Winepress"), where God Himself is depicted treading the winepress of His wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 14:19 portrays the terrifying reality of God's wrath upon the unrighteous, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the dual aspects of Christ's role as both the ultimate Judge and the ultimate Deliverer. On one hand, Christ Himself is depicted in [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ Treading the Winepress") as the one who "treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God Almighty," signifying His active participation in executing this final judgment. He is the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). On the other hand, for those who believe, Christ is the one who bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, becoming the atoning sacrifice for sin ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood, Saved from Wrath")). His suffering and death absorbed the very wrath that is poured out in the winepress, offering a way of escape for all who trust in Him. Thus, the "great winepress of the wrath of God" underscores the immense cost of our salvation and the profound love of God, who provided a means through Christ to be spared from this terrifying judgment, transforming the "vine of the earth" into branches of the "true vine" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the True Vine")).

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

Deuteronomy 32:32

For their vine [is] of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes [are] grapes of gall, their clusters [are] bitter:

Deuteronomy 32:33

Their wine [is] the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.

Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.