And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

REVELATION 14:17KJV
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Revelation 14:17 (KJV)

What does Revelation 14:17 mean?

Revelation 14:17 describes another angel coming out from the temple in heaven, and this angel is also holding a sharp sickle. The verse sets the stage for a coming act of judgment, showing that more than one angel is involved in carrying out God’s instructions.

In the book of Revelation, John is seeing a vision where angels act as messengers and agents of God’s will. The temple in heaven represents God’s presence, and the angel’s sharp sickle is a tool for harvesting, which often symbolizes judgment or gathering. This verse follows another angel with a sickle, highlighting that the coming events are deliberate and organized, not random.

The Greek behind Revelation 14:17

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means “angel” or “messenger.” In Revelation, angels often carry out specific tasks given by God, emphasizing their role as servants in the heavenly order.
  • δρέπανον (drepanon): This is the word for “sickle,” a tool used for harvesting crops. Its sharpness (ὀξύς, oxys) underlines the readiness and seriousness of the coming action, reinforcing the idea of decisive judgment.
  • ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ (ek tou naou): This phrase means “out of the temple.” The temple in heaven is a symbol of God’s authority and holiness, so the angel’s origin shows that his mission comes directly from God’s presence.

Why Revelation 14:17 matters

  • This verse makes clear that the actions about to take place are not random or chaotic, but are carried out by angels directly sent from God’s presence, emphasizing order and purpose in God’s plans.
  • The image of multiple angels with sickles highlights the seriousness and scale of the coming judgment, connecting this moment to earlier biblical themes of harvest as a time of reckoning.
  • By showing the angel coming from the temple in heaven, the verse reminds readers that what happens next is rooted in God’s authority and holiness, not human initiative.

Where else these words appear

“sharp” Greek G3691 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
  • Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
  • 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.

“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.

“temple” Greek G3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
  • Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“another” Greek G243 · used in 141 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.