Bible Strands
Revelation 6:14
The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator describes the cosmic events triggered by the opening of the sixth seal, addressing the visions given to John. The scene occurs immediately after the stars fall to earth and before earthly rulers attempt to hide in caves.
The words — The Greek ἀπεχωρισθή (apechōristhē) literally means "departed" or "was removed," paired with ἑλισσόμενον (helissomenon), meaning "being rolled up." These terms describe the sky's sudden withdrawal in the manner of a rolled scroll.
The thread — This imagery echoes Isaiah 34:4, where the skies are rolled up like a scroll, and anticipates Revelation 16:20, where every island flees and no mountain remains. It also aligns with the cosmic dissolution described in 2 Peter 3:10.
Why it lands — The text states that no geographical feature remains fixed and that all human ranks seek physical concealment. It requires the reader to acknowledge that created order offers no refuge from the judgment being executed.
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The Greek words
King James Version
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 34:4 All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.
- Revelation 16:20 Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.
- 2 Peter 3:10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
- Hebrews 1:11 They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
- Psalms 102:26 They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on.
- Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
- Jeremiah 4:23 I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light.
- Nahum 1:5 The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers.
- Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
- Isaiah 2:14 against all the tall mountains, against all the high hills,