Revelation 16 14

Revelation 16:14 kjv

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.

Revelation 16:14 nkjv

For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Revelation 16:14 niv

They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.

Revelation 16:14 esv

For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

Revelation 16:14 nlt

They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.

Revelation 16 verses

Revelation 16 14 Meaning

Revelation 16:14 describes how evil spirits, emanating from the unholy trinity (dragon, beast, and false prophet), actively perform deceptive signs to gather the world's leaders. Their ultimate aim is to assemble these kings for the decisive "battle of that great day of God Almighty," which represents the climactic confrontation of humanity's rebellion against the sovereign God. This verse reveals the spiritual orchestration behind the final earthly opposition to God's reign and underscores His ultimate control even amidst profound deception.

Revelation 16 14 Context

Revelation chapter 16 details the outpouring of the seven bowl judgments, which represent the climax of God's wrath against a rebellious world. Verse 14 is specifically part of the sixth bowl judgment (vv. 12-16). This judgment sees the drying up of the Euphrates River, clearing the way for the "kings of the East." Immediately following this event (v. 13), three unclean spirits resembling frogs emerge from the mouths of the dragon (Satan), the beast (Antichrist), and the false prophet. These spirits are identified in verse 14 as "spirits of devils," meaning demonic spirits, whose express purpose is to deceive and gather the kings of the entire world for the great eschatological conflict. The battle's location is identified as Armageddon in verse 16, signifying the final, decisive confrontation. The historical and literary context places this verse within John's apocalyptic vision, written to encourage early Christians facing persecution, assuring them of God's ultimate sovereignty and victory over all evil, despite the intensity of the tribulation. The actions of the "kings of the earth" represent the persistent human defiance against God throughout history, culminating in this orchestrated rebellion.

Revelation 16 14 Word analysis

• For they are spirits (πνεύματα, pneumata):

  • This term denotes their non-physical, invisible nature, yet they are powerful entities.
  • It emphasizes their origin in the spiritual realm, not as earthly forces.
  • It links them to the concept of unseen influence and unseen conflict.

• of devils (δαιμόνων, daimonōn):

  • From daimonia, referring to evil spirits or demons.
  • This is distinct from diabolos (the Devil, Satan). These are agents under Satan's authority.
  • They are inherently wicked, hostile to God, and aligned with the forces of darkness.

• working miracles (ποιοῦντα σημεῖα, poiounta sēmeia):

  • Poiounta means "doing" or "performing."
  • Sēmeia means "signs" or "wonders."
  • These are not true divine miracles, but counterfeit signs. Their purpose is deception, aiming to convince onlookers of the legitimacy or power of the demonic source, mimicking God's true demonstrations of power.
  • These signs validate the deceptive message these spirits carry.

• which go forth (ἐκπορεύονται, ekporeuontai):

  • This implies active, purposeful movement.
  • They are sent out with a specific mission from their demonic masters.

• unto the kings of the earth (ἐπὶ τοὺς βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς):

  • "Kings of the earth" represents human political authority and rulers of nations.
  • "Of the earth" indicates their earthly, finite, and rebellious nature, contrasting with heavenly authority.
  • The deception targets those in power, indicating a top-down influence on global events.

• and of the whole world (καὶ τῆς οἰκουμένης ὅλης, kai tēs oikoumenēs holēs):

  • Oikoumenē literally means the "inhabited earth" or "Roman world" in ancient contexts, but in Revelation's apocalyptic scope, it universally means the entire populated world.
  • This stresses the global reach of this deception and the universal scope of the final conflict.

• to gather them (συναγαγεῖν αὐτούς, synagagein autous):

  • Synagagein means "to assemble" or "to collect."
  • The direct, intended purpose of the demonic signs is to facilitate this specific gathering.

• to the battle (εἰς τὸν πόλεμον, eis ton polemon):

  • "The battle" is definite, pointing to a specific, unique final war.
  • It is a conflict that signifies ultimate rebellion against God, but also His ultimate triumph.
  • This is the culmination of cosmic warfare between good and evil, specifically manifesting on earth.

• of that great day (τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης τῆς μεγάλης):

  • "That great day" signifies a momentous, pre-determined point in time.
  • It is often synonymous with "the Day of the Lord" in prophetic literature.

• of God Almighty (τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος, tou Theou tou Pantokratoros):

  • Theos (God), Pantokratōr (Almighty, Omnipotent).
  • This title, frequently used in Revelation, highlights God's absolute sovereignty, power, and ultimate control.
  • Even though it's "the battle," it is "of God Almighty," indicating that He orchestrates, permits, and ultimately controls its outcome, making it His day of judgment and victory, not the day of the demons or kings. It clarifies that this battle serves God's purposes, leading to His definitive judgment and manifestation of His power.

Revelation 16 14 Bonus section

The nature of the "battle" is primarily spiritual, though it culminates in an earthly manifestation of forces gathered to fight against Christ (Rev 19:19). It symbolizes the decisive victory of God over all rebellion, rather than a prolonged or uncertain armed conflict. The specific geographical location of Armageddon, mentioned in Revelation 16:16, becomes a symbolic ground of final divine judgment rather than just a strategic military point. This verse also implicitly highlights the ongoing spiritual warfare where invisible forces attempt to influence and deceive humanity, impacting political and social landscapes to align with rebellious ends. It serves as a reminder for believers to be spiritually vigilant and to rely on God's truth against cunning deception, understanding that even the most powerful human leaders can be unknowingly manipulated by demonic influences.

Revelation 16 14 Commentary

Revelation 16:14 unmasks the spiritual forces behind the end-time rebellion against God. It reveals that the ultimate human defiance is not merely a spontaneous geopolitical event but is actively incited and orchestrated by powerful, evil spirits. These "spirits of devils" (demonic entities) operate deceptively, performing lying signs to sway earthly rulers, leading them to their collective doom. The fact that the kings are "gathered" underscores their willingness to participate in this final stand, deceived into believing they can oppose God. Yet, the verse maintains God's sovereignty by designating it as "the battle of that great day of God Almighty." This isn't a battle God fears or cannot win; it's a battle brought about and concluded on His terms, manifesting His ultimate authority and justice. The purpose of this revelation is to assure believers that no evil power, however formidable, can thwart God's divine plan, and His justice will prevail in its fullness. It reminds believers to discern truth from deception, for evil presents itself with convincing "signs" to lead the world astray.