Revelation 14:13

Voice. The voice is not identified, but is apparently distinguished from the voice of the third angel (vs. 9–12).

Write. See on ch. 1:11.

Blessed are the dead. This is one of the seven so-called beatitudes of the book of Revelation (cf. on Matt. 5:3). The others are found in Rev. 1:3; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14.

In the Lord. Not the dead generally are here pronounced blessed, but only those who die “in the Lord.” These are they who died with their faith fixed in Jesus (cf. on 1 Cor. 15:18; 1 Thess. 4:16).

From henceforth. This doubtless refers to the period of the three angels’ messages, which embraces the period of persecution by the beast and its image, when the boycott is imposed and the death penalty passed (see on ch. 13:12–17). Those who go to their graves in this period rest, as it were, a little moment until the indignation be overpast. Then they will be privileged to come forth in the special resurrection preceding the general resurrection of the righteous (see on Dan. 12:2).

The Spirit. See on ch. 1:4.

Labours. Gr. kopoi, “wearying toil,” “weariness,” “strenuous effort.” Compare the use of the word in 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:23, 27; 1 Thess. 1:3. Death is a rest from the wearying toil of life.

Works. Gr. erga, “activities,” a general term here contrasted with kopoi (see above).

Follow them. This expression has been interpreted in two ways: (1) On the basis that the Greek reads, literally, “follow with them,” that is, accompany them, some consider that John here refers to the laying down of the burdens of this life and the continuation of activities in the future world. Activity would, of course, cease during the period between death and the resurrection, for that is a time of unconsciousness and inactivity (see on Ps. 146:4; 2 Cor. 5:1–3). But heaven will be a place of pleasurable activity. (2) Others interpret the clause “their works do follow them” as referring to the influence a good man leaves behind when he dies.