Revelation 16:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:20 vividly portrays a cataclysmic geological upheaval during the pouring out of the seventh and final bowl of God's wrath. This verse describes the complete disappearance of all islands and mountains, signifying an unprecedented and absolute transformation of the earth's topography. It underscores the culmination of divine judgment, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and the irreversible nature of the end-time events that precede the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the seven bowl judgments, specifically as part of the seventh bowl (Revelation 16:17-21). The preceding verses describe a massive earthquake, unparalleled in human history, followed by colossal hailstones (Revelation 16:18-19). The disappearance of islands and mountains in verse 20 serves as the ultimate physical manifestation of this global cataclysm, emphasizing the totality and finality of God's wrath. It marks the complete dismantling of the old, fallen creation, setting the stage for the subsequent defeat of Babylon and the beast, and ultimately, the ushering in of the new heavens and new earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of mountains and islands vanishing would have resonated powerfully with ancient audiences, who viewed these geographical features as symbols of permanence, stability, and often, places of refuge or centers of human power. Mountains, in particular, were often associated with divine presence or human kingdoms (e.g., Mount Zion, Mount Sinai). The Roman Empire, a seemingly unshakeable power, would have been seen as a "mountain" of human authority. The complete dissolution of such enduring landmarks would have conveyed an overwhelming sense of cosmic disruption and the utter collapse of all earthly stability and human constructs, demonstrating that no earthly power or refuge could withstand God's ultimate judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 16:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to execute comprehensive judgment, not just on humanity but on the very fabric of the earth itself. Secondly, it underscores **Cosmic Upheaval and Finality**, portraying an irreversible dissolution of the existing world order, leaving no place for human hiding or resistance. This echoes Old Testament prophecies of a world utterly shaken by God's power, as seen in [Isaiah's prophecy of the earth being utterly broken down](/isaiah/24-19 "Isaiah 24:19 - Earth Utterly Broken"). Finally, this destruction serves as a necessary **Preparation for a New Creation**, a prelude to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, as promised in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). The old must pass away for the new to emerge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fled away (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** This verb signifies to run away, escape, or vanish. In this context, it implies a swift, complete, and irreversible disappearance of the islands, as if they were actively fleeing from the overwhelming divine judgment. It conveys a sense of sudden and absolute absence, rather than mere displacement.
* **mountains (Greek, _óros'_):** This term refers to a mountain or hill, often symbolizing stability, strength, or even obstacles. The mention of mountains, typically seen as the most enduring features of the earth's landscape, emphasizes the extreme nature of the geological transformation. Their vanishing signifies the removal of all perceived earthly permanence and human-made structures of power or refuge.
* **were not found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** The negative form of "to find," this phrase emphasizes the utter absence and non-existence of the mountains. It goes beyond merely being moved or hidden; it means they ceased to be discoverable or present in their former state, underscoring the finality and completeness of their dissolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every island fled away":** This clause describes the complete and total disappearance of all islands. The use of "every" (G3956, _pâs_) emphasizes the universal scope of this event, indicating that no landmass, no matter how isolated or seemingly secure, could escape the effects of God's judgment. The active verb "fled away" personifies the islands, conveying a sense of their swift and decisive vanishing from the earth's surface.
* **"and the mountains were not found":** This parallel clause reinforces the previous statement, extending the cataclysmic transformation to the most prominent and stable features of the earth. Mountains, often seen as immutable symbols of permanence, are utterly removed. The phrase "were not found" signifies their absolute non-existence in their previous form, underscoring the finality and comprehensiveness of this cosmic upheaval. Together, these clauses depict an earth fundamentally reshaped by divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its dramatic message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of every island and mountain vanishing, an exaggeration intended to emphasize the unprecedented and total nature of the geological upheaval, rather than necessarily a literal, atom-by-atom dissolution. This dramatic imagery serves as **Symbolism**, where islands and mountains, traditionally representing stability, permanence, and places of refuge or human power, symbolize the complete collapse of the old world order and any perceived earthly security. Their disappearance signifies that nothing in the created realm can withstand God's ultimate judgment. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Apocalyptic Imagery**, a characteristic feature of the book of Revelation, employing vivid, cosmic-scale events to communicate profound theological truths about divine judgment, the end of an age, and the preparation for a new creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:20 powerfully asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and His absolute authority to bring about its complete transformation. This dramatic cosmic upheaval underscores the temporary nature of all earthly realities and the certainty of divine judgment upon a rebellious world. It signifies that no part of the created order, no matter how seemingly stable or enduring, can escape the final outpouring of God's wrath. This destruction is not merely punitive but also purgative, clearing the way for the establishment of God's righteous and eternal kingdom, where a new heavens and new earth will reside. It serves as a stark reminder that true security and lasting hope are found only in God, not in the transient structures of this world.

* [Isaiah 24:19-20](/isaiah/24-19-20 "Isaiah 24:19-20 - Earth Utterly Broken and Shaken")
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and Earth")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:20 serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of all earthly things and the ultimate, unshakeable sovereignty of God. In a world that often seeks security in physical stability, financial assets, or political power, this verse dramatically shatters such illusions, demonstrating that even the most enduring geographical features are subject to God's will and can vanish in an instant. For believers, this should cultivate a deeper sense of detachment from worldly attachments and a greater urgency to fix our hope and trust in the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of God. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and aligning our lives with God's purposes. For those who have not yet surrendered to God, it stands as a solemn and inescapable warning of the comprehensive judgment that awaits those who reject His grace. Ultimately, while depicting immense destruction, this verse points to the necessary purification of creation and the glorious promise of a new heaven and new earth, where righteousness dwells and where God's presence will be fully realized, free from the stain of sin and decay.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of vanishing islands and mountains challenge our perceptions of security and permanence in this world?**
* **What does this verse reveal about the absolute power and sovereignty of God over creation?**
* **How should the knowledge of the earth's ultimate transformation impact our daily priorities and pursuits?**

### FAQ
**Is the vanishing of islands and mountains in Revelation 16:20 a literal geological event, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the language is highly vivid and dramatic, typical of apocalyptic literature, scholars often interpret the vanishing of islands and mountains as primarily symbolic, though not necessarily precluding some form of literal geological transformation. The primary intent is to convey the utter and complete disruption of the existing world order and the finality of God's judgment. Islands and mountains represent stability, refuge, and even human power structures. Their disappearance symbolizes that nothing in the created world, no matter how seemingly enduring or secure, can withstand the final outpouring of God's wrath. This profound change prepares the way for the new heavens and new earth described in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where the old order has completely passed away. The emphasis is on the totality and irreversibility of God's judgment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 16:20, with its depiction of cosmic upheaval and the dissolution of the old creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), Christ is also the one who holds all things together and, ultimately, the one through whom the old creation will pass away. He is the appointed Judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ Appointed Judge")), and the judgments described in Revelation are executed under His authority. More profoundly, the destruction of the old order, symbolized by the vanishing islands and mountains, is a necessary precursor for the establishment of the new heaven and new earth, which is the eternal dwelling place of God with humanity, made possible only through Christ's redemptive work. His death and resurrection not only atone for sin but also inaugurate a new creation, where He promises, "Behold, I am making all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")). Thus, the terrifying judgment of Revelation 16:20 ultimately points to Christ as the one who brings about the end of the old and the glorious beginning of the truly eternal, stable, and righteous new creation.

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

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.