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Book of Revelation - Chapter 16 - Verse 20

16:20
And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

Meaning

Revelation 16:20 describes a vivid and dramatic scene where every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. This symbolic imagery conveys the immense power and destructive force of the event being described. In the context of the Book of Revelation, these catastrophic events signal the culmination of God's judgment on the world. The disappearance of islands and mountains represents the complete upheaval and chaos that will occur during this time of tribulation. This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty and power of God over all creation, and the inevitability of his judgment. It is a sobering depiction of the end times and a call to repentance and righteousness in the face of the impending judgment.

Theological Overview

The verse "And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found" found in Revelation 16:20, has sparked numerous theological interpretations over the years. Some scholars look at this verse through the lens of eschatology, or the study of end times, interpreting it as a dramatic and cataclysmic event that will occur during the apocalypse. The idea of islands and mountains disappearing can represent the ultimate destruction and upheaval that will take place at the end of the world. Others view this verse symbolically, suggesting that the vanishing islands and mountains are a metaphor for the complete reordering of the natural order as we know it.

Word studies of the verse provide further insight into the symbolism used. For example, exploring the original Greek meanings of 'islands' and 'mountains' can shed light on the intended message. In some interpretations, 'islands' may symbolize isolated pockets of humanity or individual lives, while 'mountains' could represent established institutions or systems. The disappearance of these entities signifies a total upheaval and transformation, signaling a new beginning or a judgment day.

Overall, the verse's theological interpretation and word studies offer a deeper understanding of the profound and apocalyptic imagery presented in Revelation 16:20.

American Standard Version

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
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