And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

REVELATION 14:15KJV
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Revelation 14:15 (KJV)

What does Revelation 14:15 mean?

Revelation 14:15 describes an angel coming out of the temple and loudly telling the one sitting on the cloud to use his sickle and reap, because the time has come and the earth’s harvest is ready. The verse uses the image of harvesting to show that a decisive moment has arrived for the earth.

In this scene, John sees another angel leaving the heavenly temple, calling out with a loud voice to the figure on the cloud—often understood as a divine or messianic figure. The angel’s message is urgent: the world is now ready to be “reaped,” a symbol for judgment or gathering. The verse marks a turning point in the vision, signaling that what has been anticipated is now about to happen.

The Greek behind Revelation 14:15

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means “messenger” or “angel.” In Revelation, angels often act as agents carrying out God’s instructions, and here the angel delivers a command from the temple, emphasizing divine authority.
  • δρέπανον (drepanon): This is the word for “sickle,” a tool used for harvesting grain. The image of the sickle highlights the idea of a harvest, which in biblical language often stands for a time of judgment or gathering.
  • θερισμός (therismos): Translated as “harvest,” this word points to the act of gathering crops, but in this context, it is a metaphor for a final, decisive event concerning humanity.
  • ἐξηράνθη (exēranthē): The word translated as “ripe” literally means “dried up” or “fully ready.” It stresses that the time for waiting is over; the harvest cannot be delayed any longer.

Why Revelation 14:15 matters

  • Revelation 14:15 clarifies that the timing of the “harvest” is not random but comes at a divinely appointed moment, showing that events unfold according to a set plan.
  • The verse connects the actions in heaven (the angel coming from the temple) with what happens on earth, reinforcing the idea that heavenly authority directs earthly events.
  • The use of harvest imagery links this verse to other biblical passages about judgment and gathering, helping readers see how Revelation draws on familiar symbols to communicate its message.

Where else these words appear

“sickle” Greek G1407 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
  • Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
  • Revelation 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

“harvest” Greek G2326 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
  • Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
  • Mark 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

“ripe” Greek G3583 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
  • Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  • Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

“reap” Greek G2325 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.