Revelation 14:2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

And {G2532} I heard {G191} a voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, as {G5613} the voice {G5456} of many {G4183} waters {G5204}, and {G2532} as {G5613} the voice {G5456} of a great {G3173} thunder {G1027}: and {G2532} I heard {G191} the voice {G5456} of harpers {G2790} harping {G2789} with {G1722} their {G846} harps {G2788}:

I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of rushing waters and like the sound of pealing thunder; the sound I heard was also like that of harpists playing on their harps.

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps.

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and the voice which I heardwasasthe voiceof harpers harping with their harps:

Commentary

Revelation 14:2 describes a powerful and majestic auditory experience heard by John in his vision, setting the scene for the presentation of the 144,000 redeemed on Mount Zion. This verse paints a vivid picture of heavenly worship and divine authority.

Context

This verse immediately follows the appearance of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000, who have His Father's name written on their foreheads. The preceding chapter detailed the rise of the Beast and the mark of the Beast, making this heavenly scene a stark contrast and a profound reassurance of God's ultimate victory and the security of His faithful. John is receiving a vision of the future, revealing divine truths to encourage believers facing persecution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Majesty and Power: The description of the voice as "many waters" and "great thunder" emphasizes the immense power, authority, and overwhelming presence of God or the heavenly host. It evokes a sense of awe and reverence, signifying a divine utterance of immense significance.
  • Heavenly Worship: The sound of "harpers harping with their harps" introduces a profound element of worship and praise. Harps are frequently associated with adoration and celebration in biblical imagery, particularly in the context of heavenly scenes. This music accompanies the voice, suggesting a harmonious chorus of praise directed towards God and the Lamb.
  • Assurance for the Redeemed: For those reading in times of tribulation, this powerful, harmonious sound from heaven serves as a promise of God's ultimate triumph and the secure place of the redeemed. It underscores that despite earthly chaos, heavenly order and worship prevail.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "voice of many waters" translates the Greek phōnē hudatōn pollōn. This imagery is used elsewhere in Revelation to describe the majestic and powerful voice of Christ himself, as seen in Revelation 1:15. It conveys an overwhelming, irresistible sound, like the roar of a mighty waterfall or ocean. Similarly, "great thunder" (Greek: brontēs megalēs) often accompanies divine manifestations and judgments in Revelation, signifying God's awesome power and presence (see Revelation 4:5). The combination of these sounds underscores the unparalleled grandeur of the heavenly revelation John is witnessing.

Practical Application

Revelation 14:2 offers believers a glimpse into the glorious reality of heavenly worship and the profound majesty of God. For those facing trials or uncertainty, this verse provides comfort, reminding us that God is sovereign and that a realm of perfect praise awaits His faithful. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of worship now, anticipating the day when we might join the heavenly chorus. The powerful, harmonious sounds remind us that even in the midst of earthly struggles, there is a divine symphony of praise echoing in the heavens, affirming God's control and ultimate victory. This vision serves as a powerful reminder of the future worship of a great multitude before God's throne.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 5:8 (7 votes)

    And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

  • Ezekiel 43:2 (6 votes)

    And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

  • Revelation 1:15 (6 votes)

    And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

  • Revelation 11:15 (5 votes)

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 15:2 (5 votes)

    And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

  • Psalms 33:2 (4 votes)

    Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings.

  • 2 Samuel 6:5 (4 votes)

    And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.