Revelation 14:16

Authorized King James Version

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

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

ἔβαλεν

G906

thrust in

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ὁ

G3588

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

καθήμενος

G2521

he that sat

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

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

τὴν

G3588

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

νεφέλην

G3507

the cloud

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

τὸ

G3588

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

δρέπανον

G1407

sickle

a gathering hook (especially for harvesting)

#10

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#11

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

#12

τὴν

G3588

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

#13

γῆ

G1093

the earth

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

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

ἐθερίσθη

G2325

was reaped

to harvest

#16

ἡ

G3588

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

#17

γῆ

G1093

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

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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?