Revelation 14:17
And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἄγγελος
angel
G32
ἄγγελος
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
3 of 16
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 16
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
he
G846
αὐτὸς
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
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
Cross References
Revelation 16:1And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.Revelation 14:18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry 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.
Historical Context
Dual harvest imagery (grain and grapes) represented complete agricultural cycle and comprehensive judgment. Ancient winepress trampling produced blood-red juice, apt imagery for wrath. Temple origin emphasized divine authority behind judgment. First-century believers needed assurance that persecution would end in just judgment—God would not forget or neglect justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does judgment's origin in God's temple (His holy presence) emphasize its moral necessity and righteous character?
- What does the distinction between grain harvest and grape harvest teach about different aspects of final judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Another angel with a sharp sickle coming from the temple emphasizes that judgment originates from God's presence. The temple represents heaven's throne room where God dwells. This angel executes God's direct command, emphasizing judgment's divine authorization. The second harvest (grapes for winepress) represents wrath specifically, while the first harvest (grain) included both salvation and judgment. Reformed theology distinguishes common grace (delaying judgment) from special grace (saving the elect). This vision shows both—believers harvested to safety, unbelievers gathered for wrath. Multiple harvesters demonstrate judgment's thoroughness.