Revelation 14:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004} with {G1722} a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, Fear {G5399} God {G2316}, and {G2532} give {G1325} glory {G1391} to him {G846}; for {G3754} the hour {G5610} of his {G846} judgment {G2920} is come {G2064}: and {G2532} worship {G4352} him that made {G4160} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} earth {G1093}, and {G2532} the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} the fountains {G4077} of waters {G5204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In a loud voice he said,

“Fear God, give him glory,
for the hour has come when he will pass judgment!
Worship the One who made heaven and earth,
the sea and the springs of water!”

Berean Standard Bible

And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.”

American Standard Version

and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:7 presents a profound and urgent angelic proclamation to all inhabitants of the earth, serving as a climactic call to repentance, worship, and recognition of God's supreme authority in the unfolding drama of the end times. This message, delivered with a "loud voice," encapsulates the essence of the "everlasting gospel" by summoning humanity to revere the Creator, acknowledge the imminence of His judgment, and direct all worship exclusively to Him, thereby offering a stark alternative to the widespread idolatry and allegiance to the beast system described elsewhere in the book.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 14:7 is the first of three pivotal angelic messages, immediately following the vision of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000 redeemed. This passage (Revelation 14:6-13) serves as a divine counter-proclamation to the pervasive worship of the beast and its image, described in previous chapters (e.g., [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast and its Mark")). The "everlasting gospel" introduced in [Revelation 14:6](/revelation/14-6 "Revelation 14:6 - The Everlasting Gospel") sets the stage for this urgent call, emphasizing its universal and timeless relevance. The sequence of these angelic messages provides a final, urgent warning and invitation to humanity before the outpouring of God's wrath and the climactic events of the end.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The imperial cult, which demanded worship of the emperor as a deity, posed a direct challenge to Christian monotheism and their exclusive worship of God. In this context, the angel's command to "fear God" and "worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" is a radical counter-cultural statement. It directly confronts the prevailing idolatry and the political pressure to conform, asserting the Creator's sole claim to worship over any earthly power or false god. The imagery of creation elements (heaven, earth, sea, waters) would resonate with common ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, emphasizing God's universal dominion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Exclusivity of God's Worship**, contrasting the Creator's rightful adoration with the false worship offered to the beast and its image, a central conflict in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast and its Mark"). Secondly, it highlights the **Imminence and Justice of Divine Judgment**, signaling that God's long-awaited reckoning is at hand, a theme consistently present from [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - Cry for Justice") onwards. This judgment is presented not merely as punitive, but as a vindication of God's righteousness and a call for humanity to align with His truth. Lastly, the emphasis on God as the **Creator of All Things** serves as a foundational theological assertion, echoing the primordial truths of [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth") and establishing His ultimate authority over all creation, including humanity. This theme reinforces the call to worship Him alone, as He is the source of all life and existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phobéō_):** While often associated with dread, in this context, _phobéō_ primarily denotes profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty and authority. It is the kind of fear that leads to obedience and worship, acknowledging God's holiness and power, rather than a paralyzing terror. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented in scripture as the beginning of wisdom and true knowledge.
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi_):** This verb, used in a very wide application, here signifies the act of bestowing or rendering glory to God. It implies an active and intentional act of recognition and attribution of honor, praise, and worship to Him. It's not merely acknowledging His glory, but actively expressing it through one's life and actions.
* **Made (Greek, _poiéō_):** This word carries the sense of "to make or do" in a very wide application, here specifically referring to God's creative act. By using _poiéō_, the text emphasizes God as the active agent who brought all things into existence. This highlights His unique status as the Creator, distinguishing Him from all created beings and false deities, and establishing His exclusive claim to worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying with a loud voice":** This phrase emphasizes the urgency, universality, and undeniable authority of the message. The angelic messenger is not whispering a private warning but proclaiming a public, inescapable truth that demands attention from all who hear it. The "loud voice" signifies the gravity and importance of the declaration, ensuring it is heard across the entire earth.
* **"Fear God, and give glory to him":** This is the core command of the angelic message. "Fear God" implies a deep reverence, awe, and submission to His sovereignty and holiness, acknowledging His rightful place as supreme. To "give glory to him" means to recognize and declare His inherent worth, majesty, and power, living in a way that honors His name and reflects His character. These two commands are intertwined, forming the foundation of true worship and right relationship with God.
* **"for the hour of his judgment is come":** This clause provides the compelling rationale and urgency behind the preceding commands. The arrival of God's "judgment" signifies a decisive period of divine reckoning, justice, and vindication. This is not merely an abstract future event but an imminent reality that necessitates an immediate and decisive response from humanity. It underscores the accountability of all before the Creator.
* **"and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.":** This final command specifies the exclusive object of true worship: the Creator God. By explicitly listing the major components of the created order—heaven, earth, sea, and sources of water—the angel emphasizes God's comprehensive sovereignty over all existence. This serves as a direct counterpoint to the worship of any created thing or false deity, including the beast, firmly establishing that only the One who brought all things into being is worthy of adoration and devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Imperative Mood** is prominent, with direct commands ("Fear God," "give glory," "worship") demanding an immediate and decisive response from the audience. This reflects the non-negotiable nature of the divine call. **Contrast** is a key feature, as the call to worship the Creator stands in stark opposition to the worship of the beast and its image, which is a pervasive theme throughout Revelation. This highlights the fundamental choice humanity faces. **Merism** is effectively used in the phrase "heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." By listing these distinct elements, the text comprehensively refers to the entirety of creation, emphasizing God's universal dominion and His exclusive right to worship as the one who made all things. Finally, the **Symbolism** of the "loud voice" underscores the universal reach and undeniable authority of the angelic proclamation, ensuring its message resonates globally.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:7 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: the Creator God alone is worthy of worship. This message resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on monotheism and the exclusive claim of Yahweh as the only true God, challenging all forms of idolatry. The call to "fear God" is not about terror, but about profound reverence and awe, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and justice. This reverential fear is the proper response to His divine majesty and the recognition of His impending judgment, which signals the culmination of His righteous rule over all creation. The verse powerfully connects God's identity as Creator with His right to receive worship, establishing a direct link between His creative power and His ultimate authority over all things and all people.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Whole Duty of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:7 serves as a timeless and urgent call to every individual, transcending historical and cultural boundaries. It challenges us to examine the ultimate object of our worship and allegiance. In a world constantly vying for our devotion—be it through materialism, power, self-indulgence, or human ideologies—this verse firmly reasserts that only the Creator of all things is worthy of our complete reverence and adoration. Living in "fear of God" means cultivating a deep, abiding awe for His sovereignty, holiness, and justice, allowing this reverence to shape our decisions, priorities, and character. Furthermore, the declaration that "the hour of his judgment is come" should instill a profound sense of urgency, not of paralyzing dread, but of a compelling motivation to live righteously, to repent where necessary, and to share this "everlasting gospel" with a world that desperately needs to hear it before the final reckoning. It calls for a decisive choice: will we worship the Creator or the created?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing God" truly mean in your daily life, and how does it manifest in your actions and attitudes?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to give glory or worship to created things (e.g., career, possessions, relationships, self) rather than solely to the Creator?**
* **How does the awareness of God's impending judgment influence your sense of urgency regarding personal holiness and sharing the gospel?**
* **Considering God as the Creator of "heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters," how does this comprehensive understanding of His creative power deepen your worship?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "fear God" in this context?**

Answer: In Revelation 14:7, "fear God" (Greek: _phobéō_) does not primarily mean to be terrified of Him, but rather to hold Him in profound reverence, awe, and respect. It signifies acknowledging His supreme authority, holiness, and power, and submitting to His divine will. This fear is the proper response of a creature to its Creator, leading to obedience, worship, and a desire to please Him, rather than a paralyzing dread. It is the beginning of wisdom, as [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom") states, and a foundational aspect of true faith.

**Why is the Creator specifically emphasized as the object of worship?**

Answer: The emphasis on God as "him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it grounds the call to worship in God's unique identity as the ultimate source of all existence, distinguishing Him from all false gods, idols, and human constructs. This directly counters the pervasive idolatry of the beast system described in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast and its Mark"), which demands worship for a created entity. Secondly, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty and dominion over all creation, reinforcing His exclusive right to receive adoration. This echoes the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and reminds humanity of their place as created beings accountable to their Maker.

**What is "the hour of his judgment" that is said to have "come"?**

Answer: "The hour of his judgment is come" signifies that a decisive and definitive period of divine reckoning and justice is at hand. In the apocalyptic context of Revelation, this refers to the culmination of God's plan to bring justice to the earth, vindicate His people, and condemn those who have rejected Him and aligned with evil. This "hour" indicates not necessarily a literal 60-minute period, but a divinely appointed and urgent time for God's righteous rule to be fully manifested. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing that the opportunity to turn to God is limited before the final outpouring of His wrath, as depicted in later chapters like [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Rider on the White Horse") and [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 14:7, though delivered by an angel in the context of final judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom we truly "fear God" and "give glory to him," for it is in Christ that the perfect reverence and obedience to the Father are embodied. As the Son, Jesus perfectly glorified the Father in His life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating what it means to live in complete submission and honor to God ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Furthermore, the call to worship "him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" is profoundly Christ-centered, for the New Testament reveals that all things were created *through* and *for* Christ ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the active agent of creation, the very Word through whom all things came into being ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). Finally, "the hour of his judgment" that has come is inextricably linked to Christ, for all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Thus, the angelic proclamation in Revelation 14:7 is not merely a call to general monotheism, but an implicit summons to worship the Triune God, whose creative power, ultimate authority, and final judgment are fully revealed and enacted in and through Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain and is worthy of all glory and honor ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Nehemiah 9:6

Thou, [even] thou, [art] LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all [things] that [are] therein, the seas, and all that [is] therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Revelation 11:18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Psalms 146:5

¶ Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:

Psalms 146:6

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein [is]: which keepeth truth for ever: