Revelation 16:20

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

And {G2532} every {G3956} island {G3520} fled away {G5343}, and {G2532} the mountains {G3735} were {G2147} not {G3756} found {G2147}.

Every island fled, and no mountains were to be found.

Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

Commentary

Revelation 16:20 describes a dramatic and cataclysmic event during the pouring out of God's final wrath. It vividly portrays the earth undergoing a profound geological transformation, where familiar landmarks like islands and mountains completely vanish. This verse is part of the seventh and final bowl judgment, signifying the culmination of divine judgment on a rebellious world.

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of the seven bowls of God's wrath, which are poured out upon the earth after the seven trumpets and seven seals. The seventh bowl, described from Revelation 16:17 onwards, marks the most severe and comprehensive judgment, encompassing the entire globe. The preceding verses detail a great earthquake unlike any before, along with colossal hailstones. Verse 20 specifically highlights the physical dissolution of the earth's topography, underscoring the absolute and irreversible nature of these end-time events. It sets the stage for the final defeat of God's enemies and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, signaling the end of the old order.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over creation. He is not merely judging humanity, but also orchestrating a complete physical overhaul of the earth itself, showing that nothing can stand against His will.
  • Cosmic Upheaval and Finality: The disappearance of islands and mountains symbolizes the utter disruption and ultimate collapse of all earthly stability and human constructs. There is no longer any place of refuge or hiding from God's judgment, emphasizing its totality and finality. This echoes prophecies of the earth being utterly broken down and dissolved.
  • Preparation for a New Creation: While terrifying, this destruction also serves as a necessary precursor to the new heavens and new earth. The old, corrupted order must pass away to make way for God's pure and eternal dwelling place, as promised in Revelation 21:1.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "fled away" is ἔφυγον (*ephygon*), implying a swift and complete disappearance, as if they were running away. "Were not found" (οὐχ εὑρέθησαν, *ouch heurethēsan*) further emphasizes their absolute absence, indicating that these prominent geographical features simply ceased to exist in their former state. This is not merely a rearrangement of landmasses but a profound, irreversible change to the very fabric of the planet, aligning with prophecies like 2 Peter 3:10 where the elements will melt with fervent heat.

Practical Application and Reflection

Revelation 16:20 serves as a stark reminder of the temporary nature of all earthly things. It calls believers to fix their hope not on the transient stability of this world, but on the eternal kingdom of God and His unwavering promises. For those who do not know God, it stands as a solemn warning of the inescapable consequences of rejecting His grace. Ultimately, this verse, though depicting immense destruction, points to the ultimate purification of creation and the glorious prospect of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells, a place untouched by sin and decay.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 6:14

    And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

  • Revelation 20:11

    ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

  • Jeremiah 4:23

    I beheld the earth, and, lo, [it was] without form, and void; and the heavens, and they [had] no light.

  • Jeremiah 4:25

    I beheld, and, lo, [there was] no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.

  • Isaiah 2:14

    And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up,

  • Isaiah 2:17

    And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.