And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

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

What does Revelation 16:16 mean?

Revelation 16:16 describes a moment when forces are gathered together at a place called Armageddon, using the Hebrew name for this location. This verse marks the setting for a climactic confrontation in the book’s vision of the end times.

The book of Revelation is written by John, who is relaying a vision about future events to Christian churches. In this scene, the gathering is not random but directed, and it comes after a series of judgments described earlier in the chapter. The mention of Armageddon signals a specific, significant place where major events are about to unfold in the story.

The Greek behind Revelation 16:16

  • Ἀρμαγεδών (Armageddon, transliterated as Armagedōn): This is a Greek rendering of a Hebrew name, often understood as "Mount Megiddo" or a symbolic place of battle. The use of the Hebrew name in a Greek text highlights its importance and connects it to Old Testament imagery of decisive battles.
  • συνάγω (synagō, "gathered together"): The Greek word here means to bring or collect people into one place. This emphasizes that the gathering is intentional and purposeful, not accidental.
  • τόπος (topos, "place"): This word simply means a physical location, but in this context, it points to a site with special meaning in the unfolding vision.

Why Revelation 16:16 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Armageddon is not just a random battlefield but a place with symbolic and prophetic weight, rooted in Hebrew tradition.
  • By stating that the gathering is orchestrated, Revelation 16:16 shows that the coming conflict is part of a larger, purposeful plan, not just chaos.
  • This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, helping readers understand the buildup to the final confrontations described in Revelation.

Where else these words appear

“tongue” Greek G1447 · used in 6 verses

  • John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
  • John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“gathered” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
  • Romans 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.