### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀκμάζω (akmazō, `{{G187}}`) is derived from ἀκμή (akmē), which signifies a "point," "peak," "zenith," or "climax." Therefore, ἀκμάζω fundamentally means "to reach a point," "to be at the peak," or "to be in full bloom/prime." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of reaching full maturity, being "fully ripe," or arriving at a state of completion and readiness. It implies the culmination of a process, where something has developed to its highest possible stage or is at its most potent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀκμάζω (akmazō, `{{G187}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 14:18]]**: "And another angel came out from the altar, having power over fire; and he cried with a loud voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe (ἀκμάζω)."
In this sole occurrence, ἀκμάζω describes the "grapes of the vine of the earth" as being "fully ripe." This agricultural imagery is highly significant within the apocalyptic context of Revelation. The ripeness of the grapes signifies that the wickedness and rebellion of humanity—the "vine of the earth"—have reached their full measure, their absolute peak. Just as fruit is harvested when it is fully ripe, so too is humanity's sin ready for the divine harvest of judgment. The word underscores the precise and divinely ordained timing of this eschatological event, indicating that the time for God's righteous judgment has arrived because the "fruit" of human iniquity has come to its complete and final development.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun from which ἀκμάζω (akmazō, `{{G187}}`) derives, ἀκμή (akmē), meaning "peak," "climax," or "prime." This connection reinforces the idea of reaching a culminating point or a decisive moment.
Other related concepts, though not direct synonyms, include:
* τελέω (teleō, `{{G5055}}`): to complete, finish, bring to an end. While ἀκμάζω describes the *state* of being complete or ripe, τελέω often refers to the *act* of bringing something to completion.
* πληρόω (plēroō, `{{G4137}}`): to fill, fulfill, make full. This word relates to the concept of a measure being full, as seen in phrases like "the fullness of time" ([[Galatians 4:4]]).
* The Old Testament concept of the "full measure of iniquity," as seen in [[Genesis 15:16]] where the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full. This parallels the idea that God's judgment waits until the sin of a people or the world reaches its complete and unchangeable state of ripeness.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἀκμάζω (akmazō, `{{G187}}`) in [[Revelation 14:18]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in relation to divine judgment and timing:
1. **Divine Timing of Judgment:** The word highlights God's sovereign control over history and the timing of His judgments. There is a divinely appointed moment when human sin and rebellion reach a point of no return, a "ripeness" that necessitates divine intervention. God does not judge arbitrarily but with perfect timing, when the "grapes" of wickedness are fully mature.
2. **Justice of God:** The concept of "fully ripe" implies that the measure of human iniquity has been filled. This underscores the justice of God's impending judgment. It is not an impulsive act but a righteous response to a world that has fully developed its capacity for evil, leaving no room for further delay or repentance.
3. **Culmination of Evil:** ἀκμάζω signifies the ultimate culmination of human rebellion against God. It suggests a state where evil has reached its peak, its most virulent and pervasive form, making the "harvest" (judgment) both necessary and inevitable.
4. **Patience and Limit:** Implicit in the "ripeness" is the preceding period of God's patience. He allows time for growth and development—both good and evil—but there is a defined limit, a point of full maturity, beyond which His patience gives way to righteous judgment.
### Summary
ἀκμάζω (akmazō, `{{G187}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to be at the peak," "to reach a point," or "to be fully ripe." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Revelation 14:18]] describes the "grapes of the vine of the earth" as being "fully ripe," signifying the culmination of human wickedness. This term powerfully conveys the theological truth of divine timing in judgment, indicating that God's righteous wrath is unleashed only when sin has reached its absolute peak, its full measure, making the "harvest" of judgment both just and inevitable. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and the ultimate climax of human rebellion.
TRV