Revelation 14:16
And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔβαλεν
thrust in
G906
ἔβαλεν
thrust in
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
2 of 17
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθήμενος
he that sat
G2521
καθήμενος
he that sat
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
4 of 17
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
the earth
G1093
γῆ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
13 of 17
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 14:19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.Revelation 14:14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
Historical Context
Harvest imagery pervaded agrarian societies, representing completion and judgment. The sickle symbolized both provision (gathering crops) and separation (cutting). Jesus' parables used harvest to describe final judgment. This vision assured persecuted believers that Christ would execute perfect justice, vindicating the faithful and judging persecutors when the time fully came.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's role as harvester-judge affect your understanding of His compassionate ministry versus His judicial authority?
- What does the harvest's ripeness teach about God's patience and the certainty of eventual judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Son of Man with sharp sickle executing earth's harvest represents Christ's role as Judge executing final judgment. The sickle symbolizes separation—reaping wheat (believers) from tares (unbelievers) as taught in Matthew 13:39-43. The earth being 'reaped' indicates comprehensive judgment; none escape. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ as sovereign Judge, executing God's decree of eternal destinies. The imagery recalls Joel 3:13's harvest judgment. The action ('thrust in his sickle') shows decisive execution without delay or partiality. The harvest's ripeness indicates God's perfect timing—judgment comes when iniquity reaches fullness.