Revelation of John 16
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Go your ways, and pour out - These ministers of the Divine justice were ready to execute vengeance upon transgressors, having full power; but could do nothing in this way till they received especial commission. Nothing can be done without the permission of God; and in the manifestation of justice or mercy by Divine agency, there must be positive command.
Open source ↗THE SEVEN VIALS AND THE CONSEQUENT PLAGUES. (Rev. 16:1-21) a great voice--namely, God's. These seven vials (the detailed expansion of the vintage, Rev 14:18-20) being called "the last," must belong to the period just when the term of the beast's power has expired (whence reference is made in them all to the worshippers of the beast as the objects of the judgments), close to the end or coming of the Son of man. The first four are distinguished from the last three, just as in the case of the seven seals and the seven trumpets. The first four are more general, affecting the earth, the sea, springs, and the sun, not merely a portion of these natural bodies, as in the case of the trumpets, but the whole of them; the last three are more particular, affecting the throne of the beast, the Euphrates, and the grand consummation. Some of these particular judgments are set forth in detail in the seventeenth through twentieth chapters. out of the temple--B and Syriac omit. But A, C, Vulgate, and ANDREAS support the words. the vials--so Syriac and Coptic. But A, B, C, Vulgate, and ANDREAS read, "the seven vials." upon--Greek, "into."
Open source ↗And I heard a great voice out of the temple,.... The church, which in the preceding chapter is said to be opened; this was either the voice of God, whose temple the church is, and where he dwells, and who, has power over these plagues, Rev 16:9 and who, when he is about to bring judgments on the earth, is said to roar out of Zion, Rev 16:16 or of Christ, who is always in the midst of his church and people, and whose voice is as the voice of many waters; see Rev 16:15 or it may be of one of the four living creatures, the ministers of the word, in and by whom Christ often speaks; and the rather, since one of these gave the seven angels the golden vials of the wrath of God, they are now bid to pour out. Saying to the seven angels, go your ways and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth; for though these angels had the seven last plagues to inflict, and the seven vials of God's wrath to pour out, and were in a readiness to do it, yet they did not move without an order, which is here given them; and they are bid to go their ways, from the temple, the church, where they were, and of which they were members, to the several parts of the antichristian empire; and there pour out all the wrath and vengeance of God upon his enemies, and theirs, and leave nothing behind, but give them the dregs of every cup of his fury: the earth here is to be taken in a larger sense than in the following verse, and includes the land and sea, the fountains and rivers, and even the ambient air, and also the sun in the firmament, as the pouring out of these vials upon them show; and designs the whole apostate church, consisting of earthly men, all the inhabitants of the earth, that worship the beast. The Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, and the Compluten…
Open source ↗We had in the foregoing chapter the great and solemn preparation that was made for the pouring out of the vials; now we have the performance of that work. Here observe, I. That, though every thing was made ready before, yet nothing was to be put in execution without an immediate positive order from God; and this he gave out of the temple, answering the prayers of his people, and avenging their quarrel. II. No sooner was the word of command given than it was immediately obeyed; no delay, no objection made. We find that some of the best men, as Moses and Jeremiah, did not so readily come in and comply with the call of God to their work; but the angels of God excel not only in strength, but in a readiness to do the will of God. God says, Go your ways, and pour out the vials, and immediately the work is begun. We are taught to pray that the will of God may be done on earth as it is done in heaven. And now we enter upon a series of very terrible dispensations of Providence, of which it is difficult to give the certain meaning or to make the particular application. But in the general it is worth our observation that, 1. We have here a reference and allusion to several of the plagues of Egypt, such as the turning of their waters into blood, and smiting them with boils and sores. Their sins were alike, and so were their punishments. 2. These vials have a plain reference to the seven trumpets, which represented the rise of antichrist; and we learn hence that the fall of the church's enemies shall bear some resemblance to their rise, and that God can bring them down in such ways as they chose to exalt themselves. And the fall of antichrist shall be gradual; as Rome was not built in one day, so neither shall it fall in one day, but it falls by degrees; it shall fall so as to rise…
Open source ↗16:1-21 These seven bowls filled with God’s wrath represent the final judgments on the world; with the seventh bowl, “It is finished!” is shouted from God’s throne (16:17; cp. John 19:30). 16:1 The mighty voice probably belongs to God (also in 6:6; 9:13; 16:17; 18:4; 19:5; see Isa 66:6).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ναός (naós, G3485) — a fane, shrine, temple λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ὑπάγω (hypágō, G5217) — to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") θυμός (thymós, G2372) — passion (as if breathing hard) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance) ἀπέρχομαι (apérchomai, G565) — to go off (i.e. depart), aside (i.e. apart) or behind (i.e. follow), literally or… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… κακός (kakós, G2556) — worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e.… πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… ἕλκος (hélkos, G1668) — an ulcer (as if drawn together) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δεύτερος (deúteros, G1208) — (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ποταμός (potamós, G4215) — a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water πηγή (pēgḗ, G4077) — a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e. source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment)… ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… εἶ (eî, G1488) — thou art δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ὁ ὢν καί ὁ ἦν καί ὁ ἐρχόμενος (ho ṑn kaí ho ēn kaí ho erchómenos, G3801) — the one being and the one that was and the one coming, i.e. the Eternal, as a divine… ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ὅσιος (hósios, G3741) — and from G40 (ἅγιος), which relates to purity from defilement), i.e. hallowed (pious,… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πίνω (pínō, G4095) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion, G2379) — a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ναί (naí, G3483) — yes κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very παντοκράτωρ (pantokrátōr, G3841) — the all-ruling, i.e. God (as absolute and universal sovereign) ἀληθινός (alēthinós, G228) — truthful δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy κρίσις (krísis, G2920) — decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τέταρτος (tétartos, G5067) — fourth ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἥλιος (hḗlios, G2246) — perhaps akin to the alternate of G138 (αἱρέομαι)); the sun; by implication, light δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… καυματίζω (kaumatízō, G2739) — to burn ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being καυματίζω (kaumatízō, G2739) — to burn μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) καῦμα (kaûma, G2738) — properly, a burn (concretely), but used (abstractly) of a glow βλασφημέω (blasphēméō, G987) — to vilify; specially, to speak impiously ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ταύταις (taútais, G5025) — (to or with or by, etc.) these πληγή (plēgḗ, G4127) — a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πέμπτος (pémptos, G3991) — fifth ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… σκοτόω (skotóō, G4656) — to obscure or blind (literally or figuratively) μασσάομαι (massáomai, G3145) — to chew γλῶσσα (glōssa, G1100) — the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βλασφημέω (blasphēméō, G987) — to vilify; specially, to speak impiously θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πόνος (pónos, G4192) — toil, i.e. (by implication) anguish ἕλκος (hélkos, G1668) — an ulcer (as if drawn together) μετανοέω (metanoéō, G3340) — to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἕκτος (héktos, G1623) — sixth ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐκχέω (ekchéō, G1632) — to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) ποταμός (potamós, G4215) — a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water Εὐφράτης (Euphrátēs, G2166) — Euphrates, a river of Asia ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively ξηραίνω (xēraínō, G3583) — to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὁδός (hodós, G3598) — a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos, G169) — impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ὅμοιος (hómoios, G3664) — similar (in appearance or character) βάτραχος (bátrachos, G944) — a frog ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) στόμα (stóma, G4750) — the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations);… δράκων (drákōn, G1404) — a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate) θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophḗtēs, G5578) — a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… δαίμων (daímōn, G1142) — a dæmon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) σημεῖον (sēmeîon, G4592) — an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai, G1607) — to depart, be discharged, proceed, project ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅλος (hólos, G3650) — "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter)… οἰκουμένη (oikouménē, G3625) — land, i.e. the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the Roman empire
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation— all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy.
Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, and on the families that do not call on Your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have consumed him and finished him off; they have devastated his homeland.
Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God is completed.
Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, on the kingdoms that refuse to call on Your name,
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, “It is done!”
And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in.
Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest; for the crop of the earth is ripe.”
Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”
Still another angel, with authority over the fire, came from the altar and called out in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe.”
and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’