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 11:18KJV
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Revelation 11:18 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:18 mean?

Revelation 11:18 describes a moment when the nations are angry, but God’s wrath has arrived, signaling a time of judgment for the dead and a time to reward God’s servants—the prophets, the saints, and all who respect God’s name—while also bringing destruction to those who destroy the earth. The verse highlights both judgment and reward as part of God’s response to human actions.

In context, this verse is part of a heavenly announcement after the seventh trumpet sounds in John’s vision. The voices in heaven are declaring that God’s reign has come, and now the time has arrived for God to judge the dead, reward the faithful, and deal with those who have harmed the earth. The verse sets up a contrast between those who honor God and those who oppose or damage what God has made.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:18

  • The word for “nations” is ἔθνη (ethnē), which often refers to peoples or groups outside of Israel, but here it likely means all the peoples of the world in opposition to God.
  • The word for “angry” is ὠργίσθησαν (ōrgisthēsan), which carries a sense of intense rage or fury, matching the idea that the nations are not just upset but actively hostile.
  • The word for “destroy” is διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō), used twice for emphasis, meaning to ruin or corrupt completely; this highlights that those who harm the earth will themselves face ruin.
  • The word for “reward” is μισθός (misthos), meaning a wage or recompense, showing that God’s faithful servants are not forgotten but will be recognized for their faithfulness.

Why Revelation 11:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgment is not just about punishment but also about rewarding those who have served and honored Him, regardless of their status (“small and great”).
  • The mention of destroying those who destroy the earth emphasizes God’s care for creation and that actions against it are taken seriously in God’s justice.
  • Revelation 11:18 connects the themes of justice, accountability, and hope, showing that God’s final response to human history involves both setting things right and honoring those who have remained faithful.

Where else these words appear

“destroy” Greek G1311 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

“angry” Greek G3710 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Matthew 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
  • Luke 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

“reward” Greek G3408 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

“small” Greek G3398 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
  • Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.