Definition: And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 14:18. It’s a pretty rich and symbolic passage! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes an angel appearing on the altar of God and speaking to someone who is working with or preparing for something important – specifically, harvesting grapes. Let’s unpack each part: “And another angel came out from the altar…” - This establishes a scene of reverence and perhaps a moment of urgency. An angel is coming out of a place of importance. “…which had power over fire” – Angels are often associated with divine power, especially light and heat. This angel has control over fire. Think of it as a powerful force. “and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle…” - This is the key part! The angel is addressing someone who’s working with or preparing for harvesting grapes. “The sharp sickle” refers to a tool used to cut and gather grapes – it's a symbol of reaping, gathering, and bringing in the harvest. “He that had the sharp sickle” is clearly referring to a shepherd or someone involved in tending to vineyards. “…saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.” – This is where the message gets really significant. The angel is telling this person to: “Thrust in thy sharp sickle…” : This means to carefully and decisively cut down the grapes. It’s a command to act quickly and purposefully. “…and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth” : This refers to gathering all the grapes – everything that's ripe and ready to be harvested. The "vine of the earth" is symbolic of the vineyard itself, representing God’s kingdom. “For her grapes are fully ripe.” - This emphasizes that the grapes are at their peak – perfectly ripe and ready to be brought in. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse speaks about a time when God is bringing His kingdom into full glory, and He’s giving a clear message to someone who's actively working towards it. It suggests: Harvest Time: This is a time of plenty and abundance – the grapes are ripe and ready to be gathered. God's Blessing: The angel is blessing this person with a successful harvest, signifying God’s provision for His people. A Call to Action: The verse encourages us to work diligently towards our goals and to be proactive in bringing about good things. In short, it’s a hopeful message of abundance and reward for those who are working towards the fulfillment of God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more details? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss what “the vine of the earth” might represent in a broader context?