And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

REVELATION 6:13KJV
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Revelation 6:13 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:13 mean?

Revelation 6:13 describes a dramatic vision where the stars of heaven fall to earth, compared to figs dropping from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. This image signals a cosmic disturbance, showing that something extraordinary and unsettling is happening in the world.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing what he sees as the sixth seal is opened—a moment filled with signs in the sky and on earth. The comparison to a fig tree losing its figs helps readers picture how sudden and forceful this event is. The verse uses vivid, natural imagery to communicate the scale and impact of the changes being described.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:13

  • ἀστέρες (asteres, "stars"): This word often refers to literal stars, but in apocalyptic writing like Revelation, it can also symbolize rulers, angels, or other powers. The falling of the stars suggests a dramatic upheaval in the created order.
  • οὐρανός (ouranos, "heaven"): This word means "sky" or "heaven." Here, it emphasizes that the disturbance is not just on earth but reaches into the heavens themselves.
  • ἔπεσαν (epesan, "fell"): This verb means to fall down or collapse. The use of this word highlights the suddenness and violence of the event.
  • ἄνεμος (anemos, "wind"): The "mighty wind" is a forceful image, showing the power behind the shaking and the unstoppable nature of what is happening.

Why Revelation 6:13 matters

  • This verse helps readers understand the scale of the events described in Revelation—these are not just earthly troubles but cosmic ones, affecting the whole creation.
  • The comparison to a fig tree and its figs grounds the vision in everyday experience, making the supernatural event more relatable and vivid.
  • Recognizing the symbolic use of "stars" and "heaven" in this context can prevent misunderstandings about whether the passage is describing literal astronomical events or using imagery to communicate deeper truths about upheaval and judgment.

Where else these words appear

“shaken” Greek G4579 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 21:10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
  • Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
  • Matthew 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

“tree” Greek G4808 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

“stars” Greek G792 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
  • Revelation 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

“wind” Greek G417 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
  • Luke 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.