Revelation 14 11

Revelation 14:11 kjv

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 14:11 nkjv

And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

Revelation 14:11 niv

And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name."

Revelation 14:11 esv

And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."

Revelation 14:11 nlt

The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name."

Revelation 14 verses

Revelation 14 11 Meaning

Revelation 14:11 proclaims a severe and perpetual judgment upon those who choose to worship the beast and bear his mark. Their torment will be an unending reality, characterized by unceasing suffering, symbolized by rising smoke, which serves as an eternal testament to their allegiance to anti-God forces rather than to the Living God. This declaration underscores the gravity of idolatry and defiance against divine authority, presenting a stark and terrifying consequence that offers no respite or cessation, contrasting sharply with the promised rest for the faithful.

Revelation 14 11 Context

Revelation 14:11 is situated within a critical sequence of visions following the introduction of the beast and his mark in Revelation chapter 13. Chapter 14 presents three angelic messages immediately preceding the final harvest and vintage of the earth. The first angel proclaims the eternal gospel, calling all to worship the Creator; the second announces the fall of Babylon. The third angel, in Revelation 14:9-11, delivers the sternest warning against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark, directly detailing the dire and irreversible consequences of such actions. This verse therefore serves as a potent deterrent and a profound articulation of God's justice, emphasizing the eternal repercussions for ultimate spiritual rebellion in a world seeking to coerce allegiance to anti-Christian powers. Historically, this message would have resonated deeply with Christians facing immense pressure to participate in Roman emperor worship, which involved allegiance and participation in cultic practices, and who risked economic and social exclusion for their refusal.

Revelation 14 11 Word analysis

• And the smoke of their torment:

  • "smoke" (Greek: kapnos): Not merely a byproduct, but often a visible, enduring sign of a fiery judgment that has taken place or is ongoing. In biblical contexts, smoke rising for a long period signifies lasting and decisive judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:28) and Edom (Isa 34:10). It symbolizes permanence.
  • "their torment" (Greek: basanismos): Refers to intense, agonizing pain and suffering. This is a conscious experience, not annihilation. It denotes distress, torture, or anguish, highlighting the severity of the punishment.

• ascendeth up:

  • (Greek: anabainō - "to go up," "ascend"): Implies a continuous, visible, and enduring process. The smoke isn't dissipating but persistently rising, emphasizing the unending nature of the judgment and suffering.

• for ever and ever:

  • (Greek: eis aiōnas aiōnōn): This is the strongest biblical expression for eternity, meaning "unto ages of ages." It denotes absolute, endless duration without end or cessation. It negates any interpretation of torment as temporary or resulting in annihilation.

• and they have no rest:

  • (Greek: ouk echousin anapausin - "they have not rest"): "No rest" implies unceasing suffering and lack of peace. This stands in stark contrast to the rest promised to the righteous (Heb 4:9-11; Rev 14:13). Their torment is continuous, a perpetual state of anguish.

• day nor night:

  • (Greek: hēmeras kai nyktos): Emphasizes the unceasing nature of their condition, without pause or intermission. It is an unbroken experience of torment. This is the opposite of those in God's presence who worship Him day and night without ceasing (Rev 4:8).

• who worship the beast and his image:

  • "who worship" (Greek: proskyneō): To bow down, prostrate oneself, to do obeisance, to adore. It implies profound submission and allegiance, a direct act of idolatry reserved only for God. This is the central sin leading to this judgment. It is a perversion of true worship.
  • "the beast" (Greek: thērion): Symbolizes oppressive, anti-God political and economic power, opposed to God's reign and often demanding absolute allegiance.
  • "his image" (Greek: eikōn): An idol or representation created in honor of the beast, likely a focal point for mandated worship, further symbolizing adherence to its system.

• and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name:

  • "receiveth" (Greek: lambanō - "to take," "receive"): Implies a deliberate acceptance.
  • "the mark" (Greek: charagma): A stamp, impression, or branded mark, serving as a sign of ownership, allegiance, and identification. In Revelation, it signifies submission to the beast's authority and participation in its corrupt economic and social system.
  • "his name": Denotes ownership and identification with the beast. The mark indicates a full spiritual and practical commitment to the beast's identity and power.

Revelation 14 11 Bonus section

The concept of "rest" (or lack thereof) is a significant motif throughout Scripture, often contrasted between worldly toils or spiritual anguish, and the ultimate "rest" found in God's presence (Hebrews 4) or in His work of creation. The "no rest" in Rev 14:11 emphasizes a total reversal of God's blessing of Sabbath rest and eternal peace. The scene presented in this verse is one of unadulterated divine wrath and justice. It is important to note that the smoke of their torment ascends in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (Rev 14:10), indicating that God's judgment is not a hidden act, but an openly vindicated demonstration of His righteousness. This serves to glorify God's justice, establishing His ultimate authority and the profound contrast between those who serve Him and those who oppose Him. The finality and permanence implied here are intended to impress upon all the utter seriousness of loyalty to God in the face of widespread spiritual apostasy and persecution.

Revelation 14 11 Commentary

Revelation 14:11 is a profoundly solemn warning about the eternal consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and aligning with His adversary. The imagery of "smoke... for ever and ever" conveys a perpetual, visible demonstration of divine judgment, not merely an end to existence but ongoing conscious torment. The emphasis on "no rest day nor night" underlines the continuous, relentless nature of this suffering, highlighting a complete absence of peace or cessation. The core offense leading to this horrific destiny is clearly stated: "who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." This signifies ultimate spiritual rebellion and idolatry—choosing allegiance to worldly, anti-God powers instead of the Creator. This verse serves as a crucial theological boundary, affirming the eternality of hell and the just recompense for absolute defiance. It functions as a powerful deterrent, urging steadfast faithfulness to Christ even unto death, providing encouragement for believers facing severe pressure to compromise their faith, reminding them that the choices made in this life carry eternal weight.