1. Revelation 19:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is “the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty”?

Revelation 19:15 (ESV)

15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

The English phrase “fury of the wrath” comes across to us as needless repetition since “fury” and “wrath” are synonyms. The Greek has this doubling not only in relation to wrath and fury but also in relation to the word rendered as “winepress.” Literally, it reads, “the winepress of the wine of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” The result of the double doubling is to add intensity to the verse. This echoes the no-nonsense concept embodied in the earlier phrase “rod of iron.”