Revelation 16:1
And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ναοῦ (naou), “temple”
Basic meaning: temple. Strong’s: a fane, shrine, temple.
KJV translates it as: shrine, temple
Word root: from a primary (to dwell);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The voice from the temple signals the divine moment of judgment, not on man first, but upon Jesus.”
In this verse: φιάλας (phialas), “bowls”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“These bowls are not doomsday events for believers, but the outworking of Jesus atoning sacrifice on all things.”
In this verse: θυμοῦ (thumou), “wrath”
Basic meaning: wrath. Strong’s: passion (as if breathing hard).
KJV translates it as: fierceness, indignation, wrath
Word root: from G2380 (θύω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Father God Sends Holy Spirit-Wrath fall upon Jesus!”
Revelation 16:2
And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Revelation 16:2, The First Bowl Judgment: Spiritual and Natural Torment on the Unbeliever:”
In this verse: θηρίου (thēriou), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This plague falls on those marked by the beast, symbolically those tied to false worship and self-righteous systems.”
In this verse: προσκυνοῦντας (proskunountas), “worshiping”
Basic meaning: to worship. Strong’s: to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore).
KJV translates it as: worship
Word root: from G4314 (πρός) and a probable derivative of G2965 (κύων) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand);
Revelation 16:3
And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: αἷμα (haima), “blood”
Basic meaning: blood. Strong’s: blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.
KJV translates it as: blood
Word root: of uncertain derivation;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Jesus Blood Wash the Dead to Alive!”
In this verse: ζωῆς (zōēs), “living”
Basic meaning: life. Strong’s: life (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time)
Word root: from G2198 (ζάω);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads ζῶσα (zōsa) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
Revelation 16:4
And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: ποταμοὺς (potamous), “rivers”
Basic meaning: river. Strong’s: a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water.
KJV translates it as: flood, river, stream, water
Word root: probably from a derivative of the alternate of G4095 (πίνω) (compare G4224 (πότος));
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The rivers and fountains “becoming blood” is symbolic of Him absorbing wrath into Himself.”
Revelation 16:5
And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ὑδάτων (hudatōn), “waters”
Basic meaning: water. Strong’s: water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: water
Word root: from the base of G5205 (ὑετός);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Here, the waters themselves (Jesus as the Source) testify to the Father: “Your judgment was right.” This is Jesus affirming that the wrath placed upon Him was just, He became sin for us ( 2 Corinthians 5:21 ).”
In this verse: δίκαιος (dikaios), “Righteous”
Basic meaning: just. Strong’s: equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively).
KJV translates it as: just, meet, right(-eous)
Word root: from G1349 (δίκη);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“He bore wrath as righteous judgment, He became sin, and through His blood, sin was destroyed.”
Revelation 16:6
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: αἷμα (haima), “[the] blood”
Basic meaning: blood. Strong’s: blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.
KJV translates it as: blood
Word root: of uncertain derivation;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“He drank of Jesus blood and became an apostle of grace.”
In this verse: προφητῶν (prophētōn), “of prophets”
Basic meaning: prophet. Strong’s: a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.
KJV translates it as: prophet
Word root: from a compound of G4253 (πρό) and G5346 (φημί);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those who shed the blood of the prophets now receive blood to drink, poetic justice.”
Revelation 16:7
And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: δίκαιαι (dikaiai), “righteous [are]”
Basic meaning: just. Strong’s: equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively).
KJV translates it as: just, meet, right(-eous)
Word root: from G1349 (δίκη);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Jesus Himself declares: “Father, your judgment on Me is righteous, because by it, they will be made righteous.””
In this verse: κρίσεις (kriseis), “judgments”
Basic meaning: judgment. Strong’s: decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law).
KJV translates it as: accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“From the altar, the place of sacrifice, a voice affirms: God's judgments are true and righteous.”
Revelation 16:8
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: πυρί (puri), “fire”
Basic meaning: fire. Strong’s: "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning).
KJV translates it as: fiery, fire
Word root: a primary word;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The “scorching fire” is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, given through Jesus’ finished work.”
Revelation 16:9
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ἐξουσίαν (exousian), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
In this verse: μετενόησαν (metenoēsan), “did they repent”
Basic meaning: to repent. Strong’s: to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction).
KJV translates it as: repent
Word root: from G3326 (μετά) and G3539 (νοιέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Refusing to repent, they missed the glory He offered freely.”
In this verse: δόξαν.¶ (doxan), “glory”
Basic meaning: glory. Strong’s: glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective).
KJV translates it as: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship
Word root: from the base of G1380 (δοκέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Instead of bowing in glory, they doubled down in rejection.”
Revelation 16:10
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
Greek words · 3
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: θηρίου (thēriou), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Just like Pharaoh sat in Egypt’s throne, the beastly system sat in authority by oppression and lies.”
In this verse: βασιλεία (basileia), “kingdom”
Basic meaning: kingdom. Strong’s: properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: kingdom, + reign
Word root: from G935 (βασιλεύς);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The kingdom of lies collapses before the brightness of the Lamb.”
Revelation 16:11
And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: μετενόησαν (metenoēsan), “they did repent”
Basic meaning: to repent. Strong’s: to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction).
KJV translates it as: repent
Word root: from G3326 (μετά) and G3539 (νοιέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The more He revealed truth, the more their system became like a festering sore, unhealed because they refused to repent.”
In this verse: ἔργων (ergōn), “works”
Basic meaning: work. Strong’s: toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act.
KJV translates it as: deed, doing, labour, work
Word root: from a primary (but obsolete) (to work);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Instead of acknowledging Him, they accused Him of blasphemy ( John 10:33 ), and claimed His works of mercy were done by demons ( Matthew 12:24 ).”
Revelation 16:12
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: ποταμὸν (potamon), “river”
Basic meaning: river. Strong’s: a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water.
KJV translates it as: flood, river, stream, water
Word root: probably from a derivative of the alternate of G4095 (πίνω) (compare G4224 (πότος));
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Spiritually, Jesus Himself became that boundary, the Living River.”
In this verse: Εὐφράτην (Euphratēn), “Euphrates”
Basic meaning: Euphrates. Strong’s: Euphrates, a river of Asia.
KJV translates it as: Euphrates
Word root: of foreign origin (compare H06578);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“The Euphrates in Scripture marks a boundary between God’s people and enemy nations ( Genesis 15:18 ).”
In this verse: ὕδωρ (hudōr), “water”
Basic meaning: water. Strong’s: water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: water
Word root: from the base of G5205 (ὑετός);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Just as God dried up the Jordan before Joshua and Israel ( Joshua 3:16–17 ), Jesus’ Cross dried up the waters of sin and judgment.”
Revelation 16:13
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: δράκοντος (drakontos), “dragon”
Basic meaning: dragon. Strong’s: a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate).
KJV translates it as: dragon
Word root: probably from an alternate form of (to look);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This verse shows the unification of Satan (dragon), corrupt empire (beast), and false religion (false prophet) into one voice against Jesus.”
In this verse: πνεύματα (pneumata), “spirits”
Basic meaning: spirit/breath. Strong’s: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit.
KJV translates it as: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind
Word root: from G4154 (πνέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Three unclean spirits come from the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet, representing spiritual deception from religion, empire, and false doctrine.”
Revelation 16:14
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: πνεύματα (pneumata), “spirits”
Basic meaning: spirit/breath. Strong’s: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit.
KJV translates it as: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind
Word root: from G4154 (πνέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“These spirits gather the kings for war, a spiritual war against truth.”
In this verse: δαιμονίων (daimoniōn), “of demons”
Basic meaning: demon. Strong’s: a dæmonic being; by extension a deity.
KJV translates it as: devil, god
Word root: neuter of a derivative of G1142 (δαίμων);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads δαιμόνων (daimonōn) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
In this verse: σημεῖα (sēmeia), “signs”
Basic meaning: sign. Strong’s: an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.
KJV translates it as: miracle, sign, token, wonder
Word root: neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591 (σημαίνω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those that searched the scriptures of the prophets and saw the signs fulfilled in front of them is blessed!”
In this verse: θεοῦ (theou), “of God”
Basic meaning: God. Strong’s: figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
KJV translates it as: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Word root: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588 (ὁ)) the supreme Divinity;
Revelation 16:15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: κλέπτης (kleptēs), “a thief”
Basic meaning: thief. Strong’s: a stealer (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: thief
Word root: from G2813 (κλέπτω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Jesus is speaking of His coming, He came as the Messiah, quietly and unexpectedly, “as a thief,” and many did not recognize Him ( John 1:11 ).”
In this verse: ἀσχημοσύνην (aschēmosunēn), “shame”
Basic meaning: indecency. Strong’s: an indecency; by implication, the pudenda.
KJV translates it as: shame, that which is unseemly
Word root: from G809 (ἀσχήμων);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Jesus came Unnoticed -The Synagogue Shameful!”
Revelation 16:16
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: Ἁρμαγεδών.¶ (Harmagedōn), “Armageddon”
Basic meaning: Armageddon. Strong’s: Armageddon (or Har-Meggiddon), a symbolic name.
KJV translates it as: Armageddon
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H02022 and H04023);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“Armageddon is not about geography but about Jesus as the gathering point, uniting all judgment, sin, powers, and redemption into Himself.”
Revelation 16:17
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: φιάλην (phialēn), “bowl”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: ναοῦ (naou), “temple”
Basic meaning: temple. Strong’s: a fane, shrine, temple.
KJV translates it as: shrine, temple
Word root: from a primary (to dwell);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Jesus has taken it all, and the temple responds.”
In this verse: γέγονεν (gegonen), “It has been done”
Basic meaning: to be. Strong’s: to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.).
KJV translates it as: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw …
Word root: a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The Cross was not only Jesus declaring “finished” on earth, it was the Father thundering from heaven: “It is done.”
Revelation 16:18
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ἀστραπαὶ (astrapai), “flashes of lightning”
Basic meaning: lightning. Strong’s: lightning; by analogy, glare.
KJV translates it as: lightning, bright shining
Word root: from G797 (ἀστράπτω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The thunder, lightning, and earthquake of Revelation 16:18 are not future natural disasters, but the apocalyptic unveiling of Calvar y , the moment judgment was poured out on Jesus, the Lamb who became sin for mankind.”
In this verse: βρονταί (brontai), “thunders”
Basic meaning: thunder. Strong’s: thunder.
KJV translates it as: thunder(-ing)
Word root: akin to (to roar);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“At Sinai ( Exodus 19:16 ), the law came with thunders, lightnings, and trembling.”
In this verse: σεισμὸς (seismos), “an earthquake”
Basic meaning: earthquake. Strong’s: a commotion, i.e. (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake.
KJV translates it as: earthquake, tempest
Word root: from G4579 (σείω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The earthquake wasn’t random, it marked the cosmic moment Jesus bore sin and the old covenant system shook to its foundations.”
Revelation 16:19
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: Βαβυλὼν (Babulōn), “Babylon”
Basic meaning: Babylon. Strong’s: Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny)).
KJV translates it as: Babylon
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H0894);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“That “cup” was the fullness of divine wrath against sin, Babylon’s sins, Israel’s unfaithfulness, the nations’ rebellion.”
In this verse: θεοῦ (theou), “God”
Basic meaning: God. Strong’s: figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
KJV translates it as: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Word root: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588 (ὁ)) the supreme Divinity;
In this verse: θυμοῦ (thumou), “fury”
Basic meaning: wrath. Strong’s: passion (as if breathing hard).
KJV translates it as: fierceness, indignation, wrath
Word root: from G2380 (θύω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Wrath was absorbed, blood was shed, and what came forth was not fury but grace.”
In this verse: ὀργῆς (orgēs), “wrath”
Basic meaning: wrath. Strong’s: properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.
KJV translates it as: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath
Word root: from G3713 (ὀρέγομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Wrath was absorbed, blood was shed, and what came forth was not fury but grace.”
Revelation 16:20
And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: νῆσος (nēsos), “island”
Basic meaning: island. Strong’s: an island.
KJV translates it as: island, isle
Word root: probably from the base of G3491 (ναῦς);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““Islands fled, mountains disappeared” = kingdoms, powers, and authorities toppled before Jesus’ finished work.”
Revelation 16:21
And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: χάλαζα (chalaza), “a hail”
Basic meaning: hail. Strong’s: hail.
KJV translates it as: hail
Word root: probably from G5465 (χαλάω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The great hail out of heaven is the truth and judgment of God revealed in Jesus, a blessing to the faithful, but unbearable to the hardened.”
In this verse: ταλαντιαία (talantiaia), “a talent weight”
Basic meaning: weighing a talent. Strong’s: talent-like in weight.
KJV translates it as: weight of a talent
Word root: from G5007 (τάλαντον);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Stones of great weight = unbearable truths of God’s kingdom.”
In this verse: θεὸν (theon), “God”
Basic meaning: God. Strong’s: figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
KJV translates it as: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Word root: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588 (ὁ)) the supreme Divinity;