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Book of Revelation - Chapter 16 - Verse 18

16:18
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

Meaning

Revelation 16:18 describes a powerful and catastrophic event that occurs during the end times as part of the series of judgments poured out on the earth. The voices, thunders, lightnings, and great earthquake symbolize the immense wrath and judgment of God being unleashed upon the earth. This earthquake is described as the greatest one to ever occur, surpassing any earthquake witnessed by mankind in history. It signifies the overwhelming power and magnitude of God's divine intervention and justice. This event serves as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and authority over all creation, highlighting the consequences of sin and disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in God's mercy and salvation before it is too late. The verse serves as a warning and a call to heed God's word and turn away from sin before facing the devastating consequences of divine judgment.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of Revelation 16:18, we find that the voices, thunders, lightnings, and earthquake described in this verse are often seen as symbolic representations of the Lord's power and judgment. The chaos and destruction caused by these natural disasters are believed to signify the impending end times and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation. This verse is a stark reminder of the awe-inspiring might of the Almighty and the profound impact His divine intervention can have on the world. Furthermore, the word "earthquake" in this verse can be traced back to the Greek word "seismos," which not only refers to a physical earthquake but also carries with it connotations of upheaval, turmoil, and divine intervention. Overall, Revelation 16:18 serves as a powerful testament to the unrivaled power and authority of God, as well as a warning of the consequences that await those who do not heed His will.

American Standard Version

and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men upon the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty.
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