Revelation 14:15

Authorized King James Version

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄλλος

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἄγγελος

G32

angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἐξῆλθεν

G1831

came

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναοῦ

G3485

the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

κράζων

G2896

crying

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

μεγάλῃ

G3173

a loud

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#11

φωνῇ

G5456

voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

#12

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

καθημένῳ

G2521

to him that sat

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

#14

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#15

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

νεφέλης,

G3507

the cloud

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

#17

Πέμψον

G3992

Thrust in

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

#18

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

δρέπανόν

G1407

sickle

a gathering hook (especially for harvesting)

#20

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

θερίσαι

G2325

reap

to harvest

#23

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#24

ἦλθεν

G2064

is come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#25

σοι

G4671

for thee

to thee

#26

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

ὥρα

G5610

the time

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#28

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

θερίσαι

G2325

reap

to harvest

#30

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#31

ἐξηράνθη

G3583

is ripe

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

#32

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

θερισμὸς

G2326

the harvest

reaping, i.e., the crop

#34

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#35

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?