Definition: And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 14:20. It’s a really powerful image with layers of meaning! Here's what it says in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a catastrophic event – the destruction of all evil and wickedness – happening completely outside of a city, and causing immense suffering. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Revelation 14:20” : This is the title of the passage, meaning it's a prophecy or vision from the Book of Revelation. “And the winepress was trodden without the city…” : Think of a vineyard – that’s what a winepress is. The “trodden” part means it was being worked and abused. It’s like a harsh, relentless effort. This suggests a period of intense conflict or oppression. “…and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles…” : This is the key part! It's not just a little bit of blood; it’s a tremendous amount . The blood is pouring out of the winepress – all of it. And this blood is specifically coming out of the horses’ bridles – which are used for pulling carriages and transportation. This symbolizes the outpouring of God’s judgment and righteous fury against evil. “by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs” : This is where it gets really significant. “A thousand and six hundred furlongs” is a huge distance – about 1,800 miles! It means this destruction is happening so far away that it’s affecting everyone across a vast area. It’s like God is sending his judgment to the entire world, not just a specific place. So, what does all of this mean? Many interpretations suggest this verse speaks about: The Final Judgment: It's a sign that the final battle between good and evil has begun. God’s Wrath: It represents God’s righteous anger and punishment against those who oppose him. A Time of Suffering & Restoration: The destruction is necessary to bring about a time of peace and restoration after the wickedness of the world is purged. It's like a cleansing fire that ultimately leads to a new creation. In short, it’s a dramatic image of God unleashing his complete power against evil, with consequences felt across the globe. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Compare this verse to another Bible passage?