Rev 14:9-12 | RWP | e4.org | A third ( τριτος ). "The third of this succession of herald angels denounces the Caesar-worshippers" (Swete). Cf. . This counter proclamation (verses ) warns those tempted to yield to the threats of the second beast about boycott and death ( ). If any man worshippeth the beast and his image ( ε τις προσκυνε το θηριον κα την εικονα αυτου ). Condition of first class challenging those afraid of the beast. Note accusative ( θηριον ) after προσκυνε , not dative as in verse . And receiveth a mark ( κα λαμβανε χαραγμα ). Carries on the same condition and picks up the very language of . These Caesar-worshippers are guilty of an "eternal sin" ( ).

‏ Revelation of John 14:9-12

A third ( τριτος ). "The third of this succession of herald angels denounces the Caesar-worshippers" (Swete). Cf. 13:12ff. This counter proclamation (verses 9-12) warns those tempted to yield to the threats of the second beast about boycott and death (13:11-17).

If any man worshippeth the beast and his image ( ε τις προσκυνε το θηριον κα την εικονα αυτου ). Condition of first class challenging those afraid of the beast. Note accusative ( θηριον ) after προσκυνε, not dative as in verse 7.

And receiveth a mark ( κα λαμβανε χαραγμα ). Carries on the same condition and picks up the very language of 13:16. These Caesar-worshippers are guilty of an "eternal sin" (Mr 3:29).

He also shall drink ( κα αυτος πιετα ). Future middle of πινω. Certainty for him as for Babylon and her paramours (16:17).

Of the wine of the wrath of God ( εκ του οινου του θυμου του θεου ). Note εκ (partitive) after πιετα. In 16:19; 19:15 we have both θυμου and οργης (wrath of the anger of God). The white heat of God's anger, held back through the ages, will be turned loose.

Prepared unmixed ( του κεκερασμενου ακρατου ). A bold and powerful oxymoron, "the mixed unmixed." Ακρατος is an old adjective (alpha privative and κεραννυμ to mix) used of wine unmixed with water (usually so mixed), here only in N.T. So it is strong wine mixed (perfect passive participle of κεραννυμ ) with spices to make it still stronger (cf. Ps 75:9).

In the cup of his anger ( εν τω ποτηριω της οργης αυτου ). Both θυμος (vehement fury) and οργη (settled indignation).

He shall be tormented ( βασανισθησετα ). Future passive of βασανιζω. See 9:5; 11:10.

With fire and brimstone ( εν πυρ κα θειω ). See 9:17 for fire and brimstone and also 19:20; 20:10; 21:8. The imagery is already in Ge 19:24; Isa 30:33; Eze 38:22.

In the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb ( ενωπιον αγγελων αγιων κα ενωπιον του αρνιου ). This holy environment adds to the punishment.

The smoke of their torment ( ο καπνος του βασανισμου αυτων ). See 9:5 for βασανισμος, only there it was a limited penalty, here it is "for ever and ever" ( εις αιωνας αιωνων, unto ages of ages). See also 18:9; 19:3; 20:10.

They have no rest ( ουκ εχουσιν αναπαυσιν ). The very language used in 4:8 of the four living creatures in praising God. "Those who desert Christ for Caesar will be the victims of a remorse that never dies or sleeps" (Swete). The rest of the verse repeats the solemn challenge of verse 9.

Here is the patience of the saints ( Hωδε η υπομονη των αγιων εστιν ). John's own comment as in 13:10; 17:9. In this struggle against emperor worship lay their opportunity (Ro 5:3). It was a test of loyalty to Christ.

They that keep ( ο τηρουντες ). In apposition with των αγιων (genitive), though nominative, a frequent anacoluthon in this book (2:20, etc.). Cf. 12:17.

The faith of Jesus ( την πιστιν Ιησου ). "The faith in Jesus" (objective genitive) as in 2:13; Mr 11:22; Jas 2:1.