And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

REVELATION 14:16KJV
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Revelation 14:16 (KJV)

What does Revelation 14:16 mean?

Revelation 14:16 describes a figure seated on a cloud who swings a sickle over the earth, and as a result, the earth is harvested. This verse uses the image of reaping to show a decisive moment of gathering or judgment carried out by a heavenly figure.

In the setting of Revelation, John is seeing a vision where angels and other figures carry out God’s will at the end of the age. The one sitting on the cloud is often understood as a powerful, divine agent acting on God’s command. The act of reaping here signals a major turning point, where what has grown on the earth is now being collected, marking the fulfillment of a long-awaited time.

The Greek behind Revelation 14:16

  • "θερισμός" (therismos, translated as "reaped") means to harvest or gather crops, and in this context, it carries the sense of a final, complete gathering—often understood as judgment or the end of an era.
  • "δρέπανον" (drepanon, translated as "sickle") is a tool for harvesting, and its use here emphasizes the deliberate and active nature of the reaping.
  • "ἐκάθισεν" (ekathisen, translated as "sat") shows the authority and settled position of the figure on the cloud, highlighting his role as one who is in control and acting with purpose.

Why Revelation 14:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the harvesting is not random or chaotic but is directed by a figure with authority, showing order and intention in the process.
  • The imagery connects to earlier biblical themes of harvest as a time of reckoning or fulfillment, helping readers see the continuity with Jesus’ own parables about harvest and judgment.
  • Understanding this moment as a turning point in the vision helps make sense of the flow of Revelation, where cycles of warning and fulfillment alternate, leading up to the final resolution.

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 14:15 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 14:18 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.

“reaped” 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.

“cloud” Greek G3507 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
  • Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
  • 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

“sat” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.