Revelation 14:19

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

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

cast

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

ὁ

G3588

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

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

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

τὸ

G3588

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

δρέπανον

G1407

sickle

a gathering hook (especially for harvesting)

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

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν

G3588

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

#10

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)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

ἐτρύγησεν

G5166

gathered

to collect the vintage

#13

τὴν

G3588

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

#14

ἄμπελον

G288

the vine

a vine (as coiling about a support)

#15

τῆς

G3588

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

#16

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)

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

ἔβαλεν

G906

cast

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

#19

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#20

τὴν

G3588

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

#21

ληνὸν

G3025

winepress

a trough, i.e., wine-vat

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

θυμοῦ

G2372

of the wrath

passion (as if breathing hard)

#24

τοῦ

G3588

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

#25

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#26

τὴν

G3588

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

#27

μέγαλην

G3173

the great

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights judgment and justice through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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 judgment and justice 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty 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 the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of judgment and justice, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?