And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

REVELATION 6:14KJV
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Revelation 6:14 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:14 mean?

Revelation 6:14 describes a dramatic scene where the sky is split apart like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island is shifted from its place. This verse uses vivid imagery to show a moment of cosmic upheaval, signaling a major disruption in the natural order during the vision of the end times.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing what he sees as the sixth seal is opened. The language is symbolic, painting a picture of the world being shaken to its core. The mention of the sky departing and mountains and islands moving emphasizes the total and unmistakable nature of the event, showing that nothing in creation remains untouched.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:14

  • "departed" (ἀπεχωρίσθη, apechōristhē): This word means to be separated or removed. In this context, it highlights the idea of the sky being torn away or split apart, not just moved aside.
  • "scroll" (βιβλίον, biblion): The image of a scroll rolled together would have been familiar to ancient readers, making the scene vivid and emphasizing how sudden and complete the change is.
  • "moved" (ἐκινήθησαν, ekinēthēsan): This word means to be shaken or displaced. It suggests that the mountains and islands are not just slightly shifted but dramatically disturbed from their foundations.

Why Revelation 6:14 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the events described are minor or localized; the language shows a total, global upheaval affecting all of creation.
  • The imagery connects to Old Testament prophetic language about the "Day of the Lord," helping readers see how Revelation draws on earlier biblical themes of judgment and cosmic change.
  • Understanding the symbolism helps readers avoid taking the passage as a literal scientific description, instead recognizing its purpose to convey the seriousness and universality of the coming judgment.

Where else these words appear

“departed” Greek G673 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

“moved” Greek G2795 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
  • Acts 21:30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

“island” Greek G3520 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
  • Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
  • Acts 28:11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

“scroll” Greek G975 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
  • Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;