Revelation 16:14
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 30
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πνεύματα
the spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
the spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
3 of 30
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
δαιμόνων
of devils
G1142
δαιμόνων
of devils
Strong's:
G1142
Word #:
4 of 30
a daemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature)
ποιοῦντα
working
G4160
ποιοῦντα
working
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 30
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
6 of 30
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐκπορεύεσθαι
which go forth
G1607
ἐκπορεύεσθαι
which go forth
Strong's:
G1607
Word #:
7 of 30
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 30
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεῖς
the kings
G935
βασιλεῖς
the kings
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
10 of 30
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
of the earth
G1093
γῆς
of the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
12 of 30
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 #:
13 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκουμένης
world
G3625
οἰκουμένης
world
Strong's:
G3625
Word #:
15 of 30
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
ὅλης
of the whole
G3650
ὅλης
of the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
16 of 30
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
συναγαγεῖν
to gather
G4863
συναγαγεῖν
to gather
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
17 of 30
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 30
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
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεμον
the battle
G4171
πόλεμον
the battle
Strong's:
G4171
Word #:
21 of 30
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
23 of 30
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκείνης
of that
G1565
ἐκείνης
of that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
24 of 30
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγάλης
great
G3173
μεγάλης
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
26 of 30
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
28 of 30
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;Revelation 20:8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.James 3:15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.Revelation 16:16And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Mark 13:22For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 16:14 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven bowls of wrath - final judgments, battle of armageddon, babylon's fall announced employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.