What does Revelation 6:14 mean?

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Revelation 6:14

Explanation

Revelation 6:14 describes a vision of cataclysmic events and cosmic disturbances associated with the opening of the sixth seal, as seen by the apostle John. The imagery of the heavens receding “as a scroll when it is rolled together” conveys a dramatic transformation of the sky. The phrase suggests a sudden and complete change in the earthly and heavenly realms, possibly symbolizing the undoing of the established order. Additionally, “every mountain and island were moved out of their places” indicates a seismic upheaval where the very foundations of the earth are shifted. The literal interpretation could point to natural disasters or significant geological events, but more commonly, this verse is interpreted metaphorically, indicating God’s judgment and the transitory nature of the material world.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written towards the end of the first century CE, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. The early Christian community faced persecution from the Roman Empire, and the apocalyptic content of Revelation reflected the struggles and hopes for divine intervention and vindication. This passage, in particular, forms part of the prophetic visions concerning the end times, a period of tribulation followed by divine judgment and the ultimate restoration of God’s kingdom.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Revelation 6:14 is a rich source of eschatological doctrine. In Christian eschatology, it underscores the belief in the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of Judgment. Different theological perspectives interpret this verse variously. Premillennialists may see it as a literal foretelling of future events. Amillennialists might view it as symbolic, representing the ultimate victory of God over evil. Postmillennialists could consider it as describing the turmoil preceding a golden age brought about by the Christian church’s influence before Christ’s return.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Revelation 6:14 can serve as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and institutions. Believers may find in it a call to focus on spiritual values over material ones and to maintain faith amidst trials and tribulations. It also reminds Christians to be alert for signs of God’s activity in the world and to live lives in anticipation of Christ’s return, committing to justice and righteousness.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:29: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:”
• Isaiah 34:4: “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.”
• 2 Peter 3:10: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek text of Revelation 6:14 include:

• “ouranos” (heaven): Often symbolizes God’s abode or a realm beyond the earthly.
• “apochorizō” (departed): Means to separate or to remove, implying a significant divide or change in state.
• “biblion” (scroll): Refers to a papyrus roll or book, imagery that suggests the revealing or unfolding of events.
• “kulissō” (when it is rolled): Describes the action of coiling or rolling up, which was how scrolls were stored.
• “kineō” (moved): This word means to set in motion, disturbed, or displaced, emphasizing an extreme shift or alteration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, sky and earth phenomena were often interpreted as messages from the gods or prophetic signs. For example, in Greek mythology, natural disasters were seen as acts of the gods. In Norse mythology, Ragnarok includes cataclysmic events that reshape the world. Revelation 6:14’s imagery resonates with these cultural motifs, expressing divine intervention or cosmic change through symbolic language that would be familiar to an ancient audience.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, earthquakes and shifts in the earth’s crust could account for mountains and islands moving. The imagery of the sky being rolled up does not have a direct scientific analog, but could poetically describe the disappearance of the celestial sphere as perceived by an observer. However, Revelation is largely metaphorical and symbolic, so attempting to align its visions with scientific phenomena is often viewed as incongruous with its literary and theological intent.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of Revelation 6:14. Some commentaries, like those of Matthew Henry or John Gill, view it as a symbolic description of God’s judgment against the powerful and the proud. They posit that the collapsing natural order represents the downfall of earthly kings and authorities before God’s majesty. Other scholars, such as Craig S. Keener, suggest that the apocalyptic language serves to comfort and assure persecuted Christians of God’s ultimate victory over evil. A common thread among commentaries is that this vision is deliberately dramatic, intended to capture the unimaginable scale and significance of God’s intervention at the end of the age.