Revelation 11:18
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Revelation 11:18 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." can be found in the book of Revelation, which is the last book of the Bible. In this verse, it is describing a time of judgment where God's wrath is being poured out on the nations that have rebelled against Him. The time of the dead being judged signifies the ultimate judgment for all individuals, where they will receive rewards according to their deeds. The verse also emphasizes the importance of honoring and serving God, as rewards will be given to the prophets, saints, and those who fear God's name, regardless of their status or importance in society. Additionally, it mentions the destruction of those who harm the earth, highlighting the importance of caring for and preserving God's creation.
Theological Overview
Revelation 11:18 speaks to the coming judgment and rewards from God. The theological interpretation of this verse centers around the concept of God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. The verse emphasizes that the nations will be angry as God's wrath is revealed, highlighting the sinful and rebellious nature of humanity. The reference to the time of the dead being judged underscores the belief in a final judgment where all will be held accountable for their actions. The mention of rewarding God's servants, the prophets, and the saints, signifies the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will. It also reinforces the idea of God's faithfulness in honoring and rewarding those who have faithfully served Him. Additionally, the mention of destroying those who destroy the earth points to God's concern for the environment and His ultimate plan to restore and redeem all of creation from the effects of sin. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and faithfulness to His followers.
Revelation 11:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and [the time] to give their reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth.
World English Bible
The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
Douay-Rheims
And the nations were angry: and thy wrath is come. And the time of the dead, that they should be judged and that thou shouldest render reward to thy servants the prophets and the saints, and to them that fear thy name, little and great: and shouldest destroy them who have corrupted the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Gentiles were angrie, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they shoulde be iudged, and that thou shouldest giue reward vnto thy seruants the Prophets, and to the Saintes, and to them that feare thy Name, to small and great, and shouldest destroy them, which destroy the earth.