JMNT(i)
8 And then another, a second agent (or: messenger), followed, repeatedly saying, "It fell (or: It falls)! Babylon the Great fell (or: falls), because it has caused all nations (all ethnic groups and multitudes) to drink out of the wine of the strong passion (violent breathing) of her prostitution (or: = idolatry; or: sexual acts contrary to the Mosaic Law)."
9 And another, a third agent (or: messenger), followed them, repeatedly saying in a great voice, "If any one is continuously worshiping the little wild animal, and its image, and is continuously receiving an imprinted mark upon his forehead or upon his hand,
10 "he or she will also proceed drinking out of the wine of God's rushing emotion (strong passion; anger) – of the one having been mixed undiluted within the cup of His inherent fervor (natural bent; impulse; indignation; wrath). And he will proceed being examined (scrutinized with the touchstone to test his "mettle") within Fire and Deity (or: in union with Fire, even Divine qualities) in the presence of (before; in the sight of) the set-apart agents, and in the presence of (before) the little Lamb."
11 And so the smoke of their examination and testing by the touchstone continually ascends on into ages of the ages. And those continually worshiping the little animal and its image – and if any one continually receives the imprinted mark (carve-effect) of its name – they, continually, are not having rest day and night [comment: day and night are representations of time elapsing on earth].
12 Here (or: In this place) exists (or: is) the persistent and patient endurance (the steadfast, humble remaining-under for support) of the set-apart folks (or: from the saints) – the people continually keeping watch upon (guarding, observing, having custody over) God's implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward purposed directives) and the faith of Jesus (or: the trust pertaining to Jesus; the loyalty belonging to Jesus; the faith which belongs to and comes from Jesus; the conviction which is Jesus; the reliability of and from Jesus).
13 Next I heard a voice out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), saying, "Write: 'From the present moment (from this time; from now; henceforth) the dead ones [are] blessed (happy) folks – those continuously dying within the Lord!'" "Yes, indeed, " the Spirit continues saying, "to the end that they may rest themselves from out of their wearisome labor (travail; toilsome exhaustion), for their works (actions; deeds) are continually following together with them." [Sinaiticus & p47 omit nai, "yes, indeed, " so an alternate rendering would be: "Happy {are} the dead ones – those continuously dying in the Lord! Henceforth, the Spirit says that they may rest, for their actions follow with them.”]
14 And I saw, and look: a bright, white cloud. And upon the cloud One like a son of man (= a human; or: = the eschatological Messiah figure) continually sitting, having a golden wreath upon His head and a sharp sickle (instrument for cutting off, cropping and harvesting) in his hand.