Revelation 14:11

For ever and ever. Gr. eis aiōnas aiōnōn, literally, “unto ages of ages.” This expression may be compared with the phrase eis ton aiōna, literally, “unto the age,” generally translated “for ever” (see Matt. 21:19; Mark 3:29; Luke 1:55; etc.), or the phrase eis tous aiōnas, literally, “unto the ages,” also generally translated “for ever” (Luke 1:33; Rom. 1:25; 11:36), or the adjective aiōnios, literally, “age-lasting,” generally translated “eternal,” or “everlasting” (Matt. 18:8; 19:16, 29; 25:41, 46; etc.). Like aiōnios (see on Matt. 25:41), expressions eis ton aiōna and eis tous aiōnas do not necessarily denote endless existence. But, it may be asked, Do not these expressions at times denote perpetuity? If so, should not the compound expression eis aiōnas aiōnōn, “unto ages of ages,” be regarded a more emphatic declaration of perpetuity?

This compound expression occurs elsewhere as eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn, literally, “unto the ages of the ages,” and in every case is connected with God or Christ, and so expresses endless existence. However, this meaning is derived, not from the expression itself, but from that with which it is associated. The expression itself means multiplied ages.

The following is a possible explanation of the use of the compound expression here. The subject matter is the torment of the worshipers of the beast in an inferno of fire and brimstone. The age of a man in such an environment would be very brief, so that if the expression eis ton aiōna, “unto the age,” had been used, it would be possible to conclude that the punishment would be but momentary. The compound expression shows that the torment would be for a certain period, not unending of course, as is evident from other scriptures that show that the final fate of the wicked will be annihilation (see Matt. 10:28; Rev. 20:14).

The figure of the smoke ascending forever is doubtless drawn from Isa. 34:10, where the desolation of Edom is described. That the ancient prophet did not envision unending fires is seen from the fact that following the conflagration, concerning which he says, “The smoke thereof shall go up for ever,” the country becomes a desolate waste inhabited by wild beasts (vs. 10–15). The figure denotes complete destruction. See on Mal. 4:1.

Rest. Gr. anapausis, “cessation,” “rest,” “refreshment.” The meaning here is that for the duration of the punishment, which continues until death ensues, there will be no relaxation of the punishment.

Day nor night. That is, daytime, or night-time. The time of day matters not; the torment is continuous.

Worship the beast. The classification is repeated (cf. v. 9), doubtless for emphasis. The third angel utters a most fearful threat. The inhabitants of earth will be without excuse if they do not escape the entanglement here warned against. They should put forth every effort to discover the identity of the beast, his image, and mark, and to become acquainted with his wiles and policies.