Revelation 14:7

And he said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters."

Study Bible

He said in a loud voice
The phrase "He said in a loud voice" emphasizes the urgency and importance of the message being delivered. In the Greek, "loud voice" is "φωνῇ μεγάλῃ" (phonē megalē), indicating a proclamation meant to be heard by all. This reflects the angel's role as a divine messenger, ensuring that the message reaches every corner of the earth. The loudness signifies the authority and the critical nature of the announcement, urging immediate attention and response.

Fear God
The call to "Fear God" is a central theme in Scripture, rooted in the Hebrew concept of "yirah," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. This fear is not about terror but about recognizing God's majesty and holiness. It is a call to acknowledge God's sovereignty and to live in a way that honors Him. In the context of Revelation, it serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over creation and history.

and give Him glory
To "give Him glory" means to acknowledge God's supreme worth and to honor Him through worship and obedience. The Greek word for glory, "δόξα" (doxa), implies a recognition of God's divine nature and His deeds. This phrase calls believers to live lives that reflect God's character and to publicly declare His greatness, especially in a world that often denies His existence.

because the hour of His judgment has come
This phrase highlights the immediacy and certainty of God's judgment. The "hour" signifies a specific, divinely appointed time, underscoring the prophetic nature of Revelation. The Greek word "κρίσις" (krisis) for judgment indicates a decisive act of justice. Historically, this reflects the biblical theme of God's righteous judgment, which is both a warning to the unrepentant and a promise of vindication for the faithful.

Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters
This call to worship is a reminder of God's role as Creator. The phrase echoes the language of Genesis, affirming God's sovereignty over all creation. The mention of "heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters" encompasses the entirety of the created order, emphasizing that all of nature is under God's dominion. This serves as a call to recognize God's power and to respond with worship, aligning with the biblical narrative that creation itself testifies to God's glory and majesty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Angel
A messenger from God delivering a crucial message to humanity. In Revelation, angels often serve as heralds of divine truth and judgment.

2. God
The central figure to whom fear, glory, and worship are due. The passage emphasizes His role as Creator and Judge.

3. The Heavens, Earth, Sea, and Springs of Water
These elements of creation highlight God's sovereignty and creative power, reminding believers of His authority over all creation.

4. The Hour of Judgment
A significant eschatological event indicating the time when God's justice will be executed. It serves as a call to repentance and reverence.

5. The Loud Voice
Symbolizes the urgency and importance of the message being delivered. It is meant to capture the attention of all who hear it.

Teaching Points

Fear God
Cultivate a reverent awe of God, recognizing His holiness and justice.

Reflect on how the fear of God influences your daily decisions and actions.

Give Him Glory
Live a life that honors God in all aspects, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.

Consider how your words and deeds can bring glory to God in your community.

Worship the Creator
Engage in regular worship, both personally and corporately, focusing on God's majesty and creative power.

Explore ways to appreciate and steward God's creation as an act of worship.

Prepare for Judgment
Examine your life in light of God's coming judgment, seeking repentance and alignment with His will.

Encourage others to understand the significance of God's judgment and the hope found in Christ.

Proclaim the Message
Share the urgency of the angel's message with others, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith.

Use your voice to advocate for truth and righteousness in a world that often ignores God's call.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call to "fear God" in Revelation 14:7 influence your understanding of God's character and your relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you give glory to God in your daily life, and how does this align with the message of Revelation 14:7?

3. How does the concept of God as Creator, as emphasized in this verse, impact your view of the natural world and your responsibility towards it?

4. What steps can you take to prepare for the "hour of His judgment," and how does this preparation affect your spiritual growth?

5. How can you effectively communicate the urgency of the angel's message in Revelation 14:7 to those around you, and what challenges might you face in doing so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1
The creation account connects to the call to worship the Creator, emphasizing God's role as the originator of all things.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
These verses echo the call to fear God and keep His commandments, as God will bring every deed into judgment.

Matthew 24:36-44
Jesus speaks about the unexpected nature of the coming judgment, urging readiness and vigilance.

Philippians 2:9-11
Highlights the ultimate glorification of God, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship.

Acts 17:24-31
Paul speaks of God as the Creator and Judge, calling people to repentance in light of the coming judgment.