TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 I saw G1492 another G243 angel G32 fly G4072 in G1722 the midst of heaven G3321, having G2192 the everlasting G166 gospel G2098 to preach G2097 unto them that dwell G2730 on G1909 the earth G1093, and G2532 to every G3956 nation G1484, and G2532 kindred G5443, and G2532 tongue G1100, and G2532 people G2992,
Complete Jewish Bible
Next I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven with everlasting Good News to proclaim to those living on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people.
Berean Standard Bible
Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.
American Standard Version
And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people;
World English Bible Messianic
I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then I sawe another Angel flie in the mids of heauen, hauing an euerlasting Gospel, to preach vnto them that dwell on the earth, and to euery nation, and kinred, and tongue, and people,
Young's Literal Translation
And I saw another messenger flying in mid-heaven, having good news age-during to proclaim to those dwelling upon the earth, and to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people,
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In the KJVVerse 30,933 of 31,102
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Commentary on Revelation 14 verses 6–12
6 ¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
In this part of the chapter we have three angels or messengers sent from heaven to give notice of the fall of Babylon, and of those things that were antecedent and consequent to that great event.
I. The first angel was sent on an errand antecedent to it, and that was to preach the everlasting gospel, Rev 14:6, Rev 14:7. Observe, 1. The gospel is an everlasting gospel; it is so in its nature, and it will be so in its consequences. Though all flesh be grass, the word of the Lord endureth for ever. 2. It is a work fit for an angel to preach this everlasting gospel; such is the dignity, and such is the difficulty of that work! And yet we have this treasure in earthen vessels. 3. The everlasting gospel is of great concern to all the world; and, as it is the concern of all, it is very much to be desired that it should be made known to all, even to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. 4. The gospel is the great means whereby men are brought to fear God, and to give glory to him. Natural religion is not sufficient to keep up the fear of God, nor to secure to him glory from men; it is the gospel that revives the fear of God, and retrieves his glory in the world. 5. When idolatry creeps into the churches of God, it is by the preaching of the gospel, attended by the power of the Holy Spirit, that men are turned from idols to serve the living God, as the Creator of the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters, Rev 14:7. To worship any God besides him who created the world is idolatry.
II. The second angel follows the other, and proclaims the actual fall of Babylon. The preaching of the everlasting gospel had shaken the foundations of antichristianism in the world, and hastened its downfall. By Babylon is generally understood Rome, which was before called Sodom and Egypt, for wickedness and cruelty, and is now first called Babylon, for pride and idolatry. Observe, 1. What God has fore-ordained and foretold shall be done as certainly as if it were done already. 2. The greatness of the papal Babylon will not be able to prevent her fall, but will make it more dreadful and remarkable. 3. The wickedness of Babylon, in corrupting, debauching, and intoxicating the nations round about her, will make her fall just and will declare the righteousness of God in her utter ruin, Rev 14:8. Her crimes are recited as the just cause of her destruction.
III. A third angel follows the other two, and gives warning to all of that divine vengeance which would overtake all those that obstinately adhered to the antichristian interest after God had thus proclaimed its downfall, Rev 14:9, Rev 14:10. If after this (this threatening denounced against Babylon, and in part already executed) any should persist in their idolatry, professing subjection to the beast and promoting his cause, they must expect to drink deep of the wind of the wrath of God; they shall be for ever miserable in soul and body; Jesus Christ will inflict this punishment upon them, and the holy angels will behold it and approve of it. Idolatry, both pagan and papal, is a damning sin in its own nature, and will prove fatal to those who persist in it, after fair warning given by the word of Providence; those who refuse to come out of Babylon, when thus called, and resolve to partake of her sins, must receive of her plagues; and the guilt and ruin of such incorrigible idolaters will serve to set forth the excellency of the patience and obedience of the saints. These graces shall be rewarded with salvation and glory. When the treachery and rebellion of others shall be punished with everlasting destruction, then it will be said, to the honour of the faithful (Rev 14:12): Here is the patience of the saints; you have before seen their patience exercised, now you see it rewarded.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–12. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 4.3.12-13
It is Moses who hears from God all that is written down in the law of Leviticus, whereas in Deuteronomy it is the people who are represented as listening to Moses and learning from him what they could not hear from God. This indeed is why it is called Deuteronomy, meaning the second law; a fact that some will think points to this, that when the first law given through Moses came to an end, a second legislation was apparently composed, and this was specially delivered by Moses to his successor Joshua; and Joshua is certainly believed to be a figure of our Savior, by whose second law, that is, by the precepts of the Gospels, all things are brought to perfection. We must also see, however, whether the Scriptures may not perhaps indicate this further truth, that just as the legislation is presented with greater clearness and distinctness in Deuteronomy than in those books that were written at the first, so also we may gather from that coming of the Savior that he fulfilled in humility, when he “took upon him the form of a servant,” an indication of the “more splendid and glorious second coming in the glory of the Father,” at which coming, when in the kingdom of heaven all the saints shall live by the laws of the “eternal gospel,” the figure of Deuteronomy will be fulfilled. And just as by his present coming he has fulfilled that law which was a “shadow of the good things to come,” so also by that glorious coming the shadow of his first coming will be fulfilled and brought to perfection. For the prophet has spoken of it thus: “The breath of our countenance is Christ the Lord, of whom we said that under his shadow we shall live among the nations,” that is, at the time when he shall duly transfer all the saints from the temporal to the eternal gospel, to use a phrase employed by John in the Apocalypse, where he speaks of the “eternal gospel.”
CyprianAD 258
Treatise XI Exhortation to Martyrdom Addressed to Fortunatus
That God alone must be worshipped. "As it is written, Thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Also in Exodus: "Thou shalt have none other gods beside me." Also in Deuteronomy: "See ye, see ye that I am He, and that there is no God beside me. I will kill, and will make alive; I will smite, and I will heal; and there is none who can deliver out of mine hands." In the Apocalypse, moreover: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach over the earth, and over all nations, and tribes, and tongues, and peoples, saying with a loud voice, Fear God rather, and give glory to Him: for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that therein is." So also the Lord, in His Gospel, makes mention of the first and second commandment, saying, "Hear, O Israel, The Lord thy God is one God; " and, "Thou shalt love thy Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength. This is the first; and the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." And once more: "And this is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the only and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."
Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"And I saw an angel flying through the midst of heaven." The angel flying through the midst of heaven, whom he says that he saw, we have already treated of above, as being the same Elias who anticipates the kingdom of Anti-christ in his prophecy.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 14:6
He refers to the messenger who runs throughout the church, which is spread far and wide and is to be extended even more. He uses the singular for the plural, or in the one [messenger] he is suggesting the unity of the single church; yet, at the same time, he is alluding to the [many] preachers of eternal life. It rightly says that he preaches an eternal gospel, by which the preacher is taught to look forward to eternal salvation. And so the one who preaches is indicated by that which is preached. Therefore the psalm says, “He who makes the winds his messengers and burning fire his ministers.”
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 14:6-7
The phrase “in mid-heaven” indicates that the angel that here appears is exceedingly lofty and heavenly. It has been sent from above to people, who come from the ground, so that through this middle position it might be a mediator and lead them, in imitation of God, to heaven. And so the body of the Church will be united to Christ, our Head. The “eternal gospel,” which from eternity was foreordained by God, says, “Fear God, but have no fear of the antichrist who cannot kill the soul with the body; rather, fervently stand opposed to him who has power but for a short time, for the time of his judgment and the reward for what he has done is near.”
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
To preach to those who dwell on the earth. It is fitting that those who are lifted by a heavenly flight should also elevate earthly minds from the seat of their lethargy through preaching.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And I saw another angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the eternal gospel. Since he had described the uncertain and varied struggle of the church militant in the world with the dragon, it remains to show a worthy reward for each army, and to reveal what penalties follow the wicked and what rewards follow the good. The preacher, therefore, traversing through the midst of the church, bears the gospel of the eternal kingdom.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And over every nation, etc. He says, this gospel will be preached in the whole world, and then the end will come.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
The brilliant and lofty mid-heaven is by nature an emblem of the glorious angel. But he possessed an eternal gospel; for from eternity the lesson is salvation: to fear the Lord, since "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom," (Prov. 1:7) and love is the end (see 1 Tim. 1:5). Yet he says the cruel and soul-destroying beast, the Antichrist, must not be feared, even if he threatens and acts more harshly.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 14:6 introduces a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, depicting a singular angel dispatched with urgent divine authority to proclaim the "everlasting gospel" to all inhabitants of the earth. This celestial messenger, flying conspicuously in mid-heaven, underscores the universal and timeless nature of God's redemptive message, serving as a final, comprehensive call to repentance and faith before the unfolding of ultimate judgments and the harvest of the earth.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 14:6 masterfully employs several literary devices. Symbolism is paramount, with the "angel" representing a divine messenger embodying God's direct intervention and communication with humanity. The act of "flying in the midst of heaven" is symbolic of the message's universal reach, divine urgency, and undeniable visibility, indicating that God's final warning is proclaimed from a position of ultimate authority, beyond human interference. The "everlasting gospel" itself is a powerful symbol of God's unchanging truth and enduring grace, standing in stark contrast to the transient deceptions of the Beast. The use of hyperbole and merism in the phrase "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" effectively conveys the absolute universality of the gospel's reach, ensuring that no group is beyond its scope. This comprehensive listing emphasizes the global nature of God's redemptive plan and His desire for all humanity to hear His message. Furthermore, the verse functions as a moment of dramatic irony and foreshadowing, as this final, gracious warning precedes the severe judgments that are about to be poured out, highlighting God's justice tempered with His persistent mercy.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:6 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to universal evangelism, even amidst the escalating tribulation of the end times. It underscores that the core message of salvation through Christ is not a temporary or evolving truth, but an "everlasting gospel," immutable and eternal, rooted in God's unchanging character. This divine proclamation, delivered with cosmic visibility and urgency, serves as a final, gracious invitation to all humanity to turn from rebellion and embrace God's redemption before the ultimate judgments commence. It affirms that God's desire for all to come to repentance persists until the very end, demonstrating His patience and mercy even in the face of widespread apostasy. The verse thus integrates the themes of divine sovereignty, universal mission, and the unchanging nature of God's truth within the dramatic unfolding of eschatological events.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:6 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of the enduring relevance and urgent necessity of the gospel. In a world increasingly marked by moral relativism, spiritual confusion, and global crises, this verse serves as an anchor, affirming that the "everlasting gospel" of Jesus Christ remains the constant, unchanging truth that offers hope, salvation, and eternal life. It challenges us to reflect on our own understanding and embrace of this eternal message, ensuring that our faith is rooted in its immutable foundations, not in shifting cultural trends or fleeting ideologies. Furthermore, the angel's universal proclamation calls us to renewed commitment to the Great Commission. If a celestial messenger is dispatched with such urgency to reach "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," how much more should the church, as Christ's body on earth, be compelled to share this life-saving truth? This verse inspires a sense of urgency and global vision for evangelism, reminding us that God's patience has a limit and that every person deserves the opportunity to hear and respond to His gracious invitation before the final curtain falls. It offers profound hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest hours of human history, God's voice of grace and warning rings out clearly, calling humanity to Himself.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the gospel called "everlasting" in this verse?
Answer: The gospel is called "everlasting" (Greek: aiṓnios) in Revelation 14:6 to emphasize its eternal nature, divine origin, and unchanging truth. Unlike human philosophies or temporary political systems, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is not subject to decay, obsolescence, or revision. It is rooted in the eternal character of God Himself and His timeless plan of redemption, which was conceived before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). This term assures believers that the message of hope and salvation remains constant and relevant across all generations, providing a stable foundation amidst the chaos and deceptions of the end times.
What is the significance of the angel flying "in the midst of heaven"?
Answer: The phrase "in the midst of heaven" (Greek: mesouránēma) signifies a position of ultimate visibility and undeniable public proclamation. It suggests that the angel's message is not whispered in secret or confined to a small group, but broadcast openly and audibly to all inhabitants of the earth. This imagery conveys several layers of significance: divine authority (the message comes from God, not man), urgency (it's a swift, final declaration), and universality (it's meant for all to hear, with no one able to claim ignorance). It implies that God is giving humanity a clear, unmistakable warning and a final opportunity to respond before the impending judgments, much like a public decree would be announced from a prominent place for all to witness.
How does this verse relate to the Great Commission given by Jesus?
Answer: Revelation 14:6 serves as an eschatological reaffirmation and ultimate fulfillment of the Great Commission. Jesus commanded His disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). While the Great Commission is primarily the church's ongoing mandate, Revelation 14:6 portrays a climactic, divine intervention to ensure that the "everlasting gospel" reaches "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" before the very end. It signifies God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan and His desire for all humanity to hear the good news, even if human efforts fall short. This angelic proclamation underscores that the universal witness of the gospel, as envisioned in the Great Commission, will indeed be accomplished, by divine means if necessary, before Christ's return.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 14:6, with its proclamation of the "everlasting gospel," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The "good news" is not merely a set of doctrines, but the living reality of God's redemptive action in history, supremely embodied in Christ. He is the Lamb "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8), whose sacrifice provides the eternal basis for this everlasting gospel. His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4) validates His claim to be the Son of God and the source of eternal life. The content of this "everlasting gospel" is the good news that through Christ's atoning death and victorious resurrection, humanity can be reconciled to God, receive forgiveness of sins, and inherit eternal life (John 3:16). Furthermore, the universal scope of the angel's proclamation—to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people"—reflects Christ's own mission to gather a people for Himself from all corners of the earth (John 12:32). The angel's urgent flight foreshadows Christ's imminent return and the final consummation of His kingdom, ensuring that His redemptive work, which began with His first advent, will be fully proclaimed and realized before He comes again in glory (Acts 1:11). Thus, the "everlasting gospel" is truly Christ's gospel, eternally relevant and universally applicable, inviting all to find their salvation and hope in Him.