Definition: And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Revelation 14:19. It's a really powerful and symbolic image. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive event – a complete destruction of the fruit trees and vineyards – as a consequence of God’s anger. Let’s unpack each part: “And the angel thrust in his sickle…” - An angel, often associated with divine judgment or prophecy, is acting with swift, decisive action. The "sickle" is a tool used for harvesting crops – it symbolizes a cutting down of something. “…into the earth.” - This means the angel is taking the harvest out of the land. It's not just a scattering; it’s a complete removal of the fruit and vines. “And gathered the vine of the earth…” - The "vine" represents the bounty, the growth, and the life that was cultivated – the fruits and vegetables produced by the land. It's a metaphor for everything good and blessed that has been given to humanity. “…and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” - This is the most dramatic part. The “winepress” is a huge, overflowing space – it’s like a prison or a place where things are intensely pressured and filled with negative energy. "Wrath of God" refers to God's intense anger and punishment. The angel is literally throwing this entire harvest into this winepress. So, what does all of that mean? It’s essentially saying that when God is angry or righteous, He will unleash a tremendous amount of his wrath upon the world. This isn’t just about physical destruction; it’s about the spiritual devastation caused by His judgment. The “vine” represents humanity's potential for good and blessings, and the angel’s action signifies that this potential is being taken away. Important Note: It’s often interpreted as a preview of a future battle between God and humanity – a time when God will be intensely angry and punish those who have rejected His grace. In short, it's a dramatic image of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?