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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
the nations
G1484
ἔθνη
the nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
3 of 44
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ὠργίσθησαν
were angry
G3710
ὠργίσθησαν
were angry
Strong's:
G3710
Word #:
4 of 44
to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν
is come
G2064
ἦλθεν
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 44
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργή
wrath
G3709
ὀργή
wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
8 of 44
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κριθῆναι
that they should be judged
G2919
κριθῆναι
that they should be judged
Strong's:
G2919
Word #:
15 of 44
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοῦναι
that thou shouldest give
G1325
δοῦναι
that thou shouldest give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
17 of 44
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθὸν
reward
G3408
μισθὸν
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
19 of 44
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλοις
servants
G1401
δούλοις
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
21 of 44
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήταις
the prophets
G4396
προφήταις
the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
24 of 44
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίοις
to the saints
G40
ἁγίοις
to the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
27 of 44
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φοβουμένοις
them that fear
G5399
φοβουμένοις
them that fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
30 of 44
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
31 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομά
name
G3686
ὄνομά
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
32 of 44
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
34 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μικροῖς
small
G3398
μικροῖς
small
Strong's:
G3398
Word #:
35 of 44
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
36 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
37 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγάλοις,
great
G3173
μεγάλοις,
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
38 of 44
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
39 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαφθείροντας
shouldest destroy
G1311
διαφθείροντας
shouldest destroy
Strong's:
G1311
Word #:
40 of 44
to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
41 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαφθείροντας
shouldest destroy
G1311
διαφθείροντας
shouldest destroy
Strong's:
G1311
Word #:
42 of 44
to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
Cross References
Revelation 19:5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.Revelation 13:10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Psalms 103:11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Revelation 15:7And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.Revelation 15:1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.Revelation 14:10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:Psalms 2:5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 11:18 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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... This verse from Revelation's vision of two witnesses and seventh trumpet - faithful testimony, christ's kingdom proclaimed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.