At first read the phrase is a cumbersome way to convey the notion of the greatest earthquake ever. But John has another message in mind, for with this formulation he draws attention to man’s responsibility in the well being of the planet. Ever since God placed his world under man’s feet (Genesis 1:26–27) and man under the instigation of the devil led the world away from its Maker, and the Man Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and threw the devil out of heaven (Revelation 12:9), nothing as dramatic or wonderful as God pouring out his wrath on the forces of darkness has ever happened on earth.
18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.