Revelation 16:18

KJV

And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there were {G1096} voices {G5456}, and {G2532} thunders {G1027}, and {G2532} lightnings {G796}; and {G2532} there was {G1096} a great {G3173} earthquake {G4578}, such as {G3634} was {G1096} not {G3756} since {G3739}{G575} men {G444} were {G1096} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}, so mighty {G5082} an earthquake {G4578}, and so {G3779} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were flashes of lightning, voices and peals of thunder; and there was a massive earthquake, such as has never occurred since mankind has been on earth, so violent was the earthquake.

Berean Standard Bible

And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and a great earthquake the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake.

American Standard Version

and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men upon the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:18 powerfully depicts the cataclysmic events immediately following the outpouring of the seventh bowl of God's wrath. This verse describes an unprecedented cosmic and terrestrial upheaval, marked by overwhelming voices, thunders, lightnings, and a global earthquake of such magnitude that nothing comparable has occurred since humanity's inception. It signifies the culmination of divine judgment, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and the finality of His righteous anger against a rebellious world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 16:18 is the direct consequence of the seventh and final bowl judgment, announced in [Revelation 16:17](/revelation/16-17 "Revelation 16:17 - The Seventh Bowl Poured Out") with the declaration, "It is done!" This pronouncement signals the consummation of God's wrath upon the earth, bringing to a climax the series of judgments initiated by the seals and trumpets. Unlike the preceding six bowls, which targeted specific aspects of creation or humanity, the seventh bowl unleashes a comprehensive global cataclysm affecting the very fabric of the earth and sky. The events described in this verse—the voices, thunders, lightnings, and the unparalleled earthquake—serve as the immediate prelude to the splitting of the great city Babylon and the subsequent hailstorm, as detailed in [Revelation 16:19-21](/revelation/16-19-21 "Revelation 16:19-21 - The Destruction of Babylon and Great Hail"). This sequence underscores the escalating intensity and finality of God's judgment, leading directly to the ultimate confrontation between God and His enemies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "voices, and thunders, and lightnings" is deeply rooted in Old Testament **theophanies**, divine manifestations where God reveals Himself in power and judgment. This imagery is strongly reminiscent of God's descent upon [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God's Presence at Sinai"), where thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud accompanied His presence and the giving of the Law. Such phenomena were understood by ancient audiences as direct signs of divine power, authority, and often, judgment. Earthquakes, too, were recognized as powerful natural disasters, often interpreted as divine displeasure or precursors to significant historical shifts, as seen in prophetic literature like [Isaiah 29:6](/isaiah/29-6 "Isaiah 29:6 - Judgment with Earthquake and Thunder") or [Zechariah 14:5](/zechariah/14-5 "Zechariah 14:5 - The Lord's Coming and a Great Earthquake"). The specific emphasis on an earthquake "such as was not since men were upon the earth" would have conveyed to John's original audience a sense of unprecedented, cosmic-scale judgment, far surpassing any natural disaster they could conceive, directly orchestrated by God.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 16:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His righteous response to human rebellion. The cosmic signs—voices, thunders, and lightnings—are classic biblical imagery associated with God's powerful presence and the manifestation of His judgment, echoing the awe-inspiring scene at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). This reinforces that these events are not random but direct, deliberate acts of divine wrath. Another key theme is **Unprecedented Cataclysm**, highlighted by the description of the earthquake as "such as was not since men were upon the earth." This hyperbole emphasizes the unparalleled magnitude and destructive power of this seismic event, signifying a complete disruption of the established order and a final, overwhelming display of God's wrath against persistent sin. This earthquake surpasses all previous seismic events mentioned in Revelation, including the one in [Revelation 11:13](/revelation/11-13 "Revelation 11:13 - Earthquake During the Two Witnesses' Ministry"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Finality of God's Wrath**, marking a critical turning point in the end-time prophecies, leading directly to the ultimate destruction of "Babylon the Great" ([Revelation 16:19](/revelation/16-19 "Revelation 16:19 - The Fall of Babylon")) and setting the stage for the climactic return of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thunder (Greek, _brontḗ'_):** (G1027) This word signifies a deep, rumbling sound, often associated with storms and, in biblical contexts, with the powerful, awe-inspiring voice or presence of God. Its inclusion here, alongside voices and lightnings, immediately evokes imagery of a **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God, emphasizing the divine origin and overwhelming power behind the unfolding judgments. It is a sound that commands attention and instills fear, signaling the direct intervention of the Almighty.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** (G3173) Used twice in relation to the earthquake ("a great earthquake," "so great"), and implicitly describes the magnitude of the voices, thunders, and lightnings, this adjective denotes something of immense size, intensity, or importance. Its repetition serves to underscore the unparalleled scale and severity of the earthquake, distinguishing it from all previous seismic events. It emphasizes that this is not merely a large earthquake, but one of unprecedented, cosmic significance, unmatched in human history.
* **earthquake (Greek, _seismós'_):** (G4578) This term refers to a commotion or shaking, specifically used for an earthquake or a tempest. In Revelation 16:18, it denotes a literal seismic event, but one of such extraordinary magnitude that it transcends natural phenomena. The description "such as was not since men were upon the earth" elevates it beyond any historical or geological occurrence, portraying it as a unique, divinely orchestrated cataclysm designed to bring about the final stages of judgment and the transformation of the created order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings;":** This phrase sets the scene with a display of overwhelming atmospheric phenomena. "Voices" (phōnḗ) can refer to literal sounds, perhaps angelic pronouncements or the very voice of God, while "thunders" (brontḗ) and "lightnings" (astrapḗ) are classic biblical imagery for the powerful, awe-inspiring presence of God, often accompanying divine judgment or revelation, as seen at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Theophany at Sinai")). These elements signify the direct, active involvement of God in the unfolding events, underscoring the divine origin and terrifying nature of the impending judgment.
* **"and there was a great earthquake,":** Following the atmospheric display, the verse introduces the central catastrophic event: an earthquake of immense proportions. The Greek word for "great" (mégas) emphasizes its extraordinary size and impact, setting it apart from any ordinary seismic activity. This earthquake is not merely a natural disaster but a divinely orchestrated act, a physical manifestation of God's wrath shaking the very foundations of the earth.
* **"such as was not since men were upon the earth,":** This clause highlights the unprecedented nature of the earthquake. The phrase "such as was not" (hoîos ou) combined with "since men were upon the earth" (aph' hoú ánthrōpoi egénonto epì tēs gēs) functions as a superlative, indicating that this earthquake is the most severe and destructive in all of human history. It surpasses all previous earthquakes, both natural and those mentioned elsewhere in Revelation ([Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal Earthquake"), [Revelation 11:13](/revelation/11-13 "Revelation 11:13 - Earthquake of the Two Witnesses")), underscoring its unique and ultimate significance in God's plan of judgment.
* **"so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.":** This concluding phrase provides a powerful and emphatic reiteration of the earthquake's magnitude. The repetition of "earthquake" (seismós) and the use of "so mighty" (tēlikoûtos) and "so great" (hoútō mégas) serve to reinforce the unparalleled scale and destructive power of the event. This literary device ensures that the reader grasps the absolute and overwhelming nature of this final, global cataclysm, leaving no doubt as to its unique severity in the annals of time.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the overwhelming nature of God's final judgment. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the description of the earthquake: "such as was not since men were upon the earth." This exaggerated statement emphasizes the unparalleled magnitude of the event, signaling that it transcends any historical or natural disaster, making it truly unique in human experience. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** and **Emphasis** through the phrase "so mighty an earthquake, and so great." The reiteration of "earthquake" and the double emphasis on its immense size ("mighty" and "great") serve to underscore its unprecedented power and destructive force, ensuring the reader fully grasps its ultimate significance. Furthermore, the opening phrase, "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings," functions as **Theophany Imagery**. These elements are classic biblical motifs associated with the direct manifestation of God's presence and power, particularly in judgment, reminiscent of the scene at Mount Sinai. This imagery signifies that the ensuing cataclysm is not random but a direct, deliberate, and terrifying act of divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:18 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His final, righteous judgment. The unprecedented nature of the earthquake, coupled with the divine manifestations of voices, thunders, and lightnings, powerfully communicates that God is actively bringing history to its appointed climax. This is not merely a natural disaster but a cosmic shaking, a divine act that will dismantle all human systems and rebellion, preparing the way for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It underscores the biblical truth that all creation is subject to its Creator and will ultimately bear witness to His justice and power. The severity of this judgment highlights the gravity of human sin and the necessity of repentance before the full outpouring of God's wrath.

* [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Theophany at Sinai")
* [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of Creation")
* [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Signs of the Day of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:18 offers a profound opportunity for reflection on God's character and the trajectory of human history. For believers, this verse should instill a deep sense of awe and reverence for the Lord, reminding us of His absolute power and the certainty of His justice. It reinforces the urgency of living faithfully, knowing that our ultimate hope rests in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: are we living in alignment with God's will, or are we clinging to the temporary systems of this world that are destined for destruction? For those who have not yet submitted to Christ, Revelation 16:18 serves as a stark and sobering warning. It presents a vivid picture of the profound and irreversible consequences of rejecting God's grace and persistent rebellion against His authority. It is a clarion call to sincere repentance and to embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ before these final, overwhelming judgments are fully unleashed. The cosmic implications of human choices are laid bare, underscoring the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation and history, and the futility of resisting His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of this unprecedented earthquake challenge or deepen your understanding of God's power and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse motivate you to live a life of greater reverence and faithfulness to God?**
* **Considering the severity of God's final judgment, what is your personal response to the call for repentance and faith in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "voices, and thunders, and lightnings" in Revelation 16:18?**

Answer: The "voices, and thunders, and lightnings" are highly symbolic and significant. In biblical literature, particularly the Old Testament, these phenomena are classic imagery associated with a **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and power. They often accompany divine revelation or judgment, as famously seen at [Mount Sinai when God gave the Law to Moses](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God's Presence at Sinai"). In Revelation 16:18, their presence signals that the cataclysmic events, especially the great earthquake, are not random natural occurrences but are direct, deliberate, and terrifying acts of God's judgment. They underscore the divine origin and overwhelming authority behind the outpouring of the seventh bowl of wrath, ensuring that all understand these events are orchestrated by the Almighty.

**Why is the earthquake described as "such as was not since men were upon the earth"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the unparalleled and unprecedented magnitude of the earthquake. It is a hyperbole, a deliberate exaggeration, to convey that this seismic event is the most severe and destructive in all of human history. It surpasses any natural disaster or even previous earthquakes mentioned in Revelation, such as the one during the sixth seal ([Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal Earthquake")) or the earthquake associated with the two witnesses ([Revelation 11:13](/revelation/11-13 "Revelation 11:13 - Earthquake of the Two Witnesses")). The purpose of this description is to highlight the finality and comprehensiveness of God's judgment, indicating a complete shaking and dismantling of the existing world order as history moves towards its ultimate climax.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 16:18, while depicting a terrifying scene of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The cosmic shaking described here, with its unparalleled earthquake and accompanying divine manifestations, speaks to the absolute sovereignty of God, a sovereignty fully embodied in Christ. As the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), Jesus is also the one who holds all creation together and who will ultimately bring it to its consummation. The judgment unleashed in this verse is a manifestation of the righteous wrath of God, which is ultimately executed by Christ, for "the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ as Judge")). This cataclysmic event foreshadows the ultimate shaking of all that can be shaken, preparing the way for the unshakable kingdom of God, which believers receive through Christ ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26-28 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom")). Furthermore, while this verse describes wrath, it simultaneously highlights the glorious deliverance offered in Christ: those who are "in Christ Jesus" are "delivered from the wrath to come" ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Delivered from Wrath")). Thus, this passage, even in its severity, points to the necessity and glory of Christ as both the righteous Judge and the merciful Savior, who offers refuge from the very judgments He orchestrates.

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

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Revelation 4:5

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Revelation 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

Revelation 8:5

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.