Revelation 14:7–8

Footnotes

1. 16 Grk “people, saying.” In the Greek text this is a continuation of the previous sentence. For the translation of λέγω (legō) as “declare,” see 2.e.
2. 17 Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
3. 18 There are several different variants comprising a textual problem involving “second” (δεύτερος, deuteros). First, several (A 1 2329 𝔐K) read “another, a second angel” (ἄλλος δεύτερος ἄγγελος, allos deuteros angelos). Second, other (𝔓47 א* 1006 1841 1854 ) read just “another, a second” (ἄλλος δεύτερος). Third, the reading “another angel” (ἄλλος ἄγγελος) is supported by a few Greek and some versional evidence (69 ar vg). Fourth, several (א2 [C reads δεύτερον instead of δεύτερος] 051 1611 2053 2344 𝔐A) support the reading “another, a second angel” (ἄλλος ἄγγελος δεύτερος). The reading that most likely gave rise to the others is the fourth. The first reading attempts to smooth out the grammar by placing the adjective in front of the noun. The second reading may have dropped out the “angel” on the basis of its similarity to “another” (ἄλλος). The third reading either intentionally or accidentally left out the word “second.” In any event, this is weakly attested and should not be given much consideration. (If, however, this reading had had good support, with “second” floating, and with “third” in the text in 14:9, one could possibly see δεύτερος as a motivated reading. But without sufficient support for the third reading, the one thing that is most certain is that δεύτερος was part of the original text here.) It is difficult to account for the rise of the other readings if “second” is not original. And the undisputed use of “third” (τρίτος, tritos) in 14:9 may be another indicator that the adjective “second” was in the original text. Finally, the fourth reading is the more difficult and therefore, in this case, to be accepted as the progenitor of the others.
4. 19 Grk “And another angel, a second.”
5. 20 The words “the first” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
6. 21 For the translation of λέγω (legō) as “declare,” see 2.e.
7. 22 The fall of Babylon the great city is described in detail in Rev 18:2–24.
8. 23 Or “all the Gentiles” (the same Greek word may be translated “Gentiles” or “nations”).
9. 24 Grk “of the wine of the passion of the sexual immorality of her.” Here τῆς πορνείας (tēs porneias) has been translated as an attributive genitive. In an ironic twist of fate, God will make Babylon drink her own mixture, but it will become the wine of his wrath in retribution for her immoral deeds (see the note on the word “wrath” in ).