Revelation 16 1

Revelation 16:1 kjv

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.

Revelation 16:1 nkjv

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth."

Revelation 16:1 niv

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go, pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth."

Revelation 16:1 esv

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."

Revelation 16:1 nlt

Then I heard a mighty voice from the Temple say to the seven angels, "Go your ways and pour out on the earth the seven bowls containing God's wrath."

Revelation 16 verses

Revelation 16 1 Meaning

This verse initiates the final series of God's judgments upon the earth in the Book of Revelation. It records a powerful divine command, issued from the inner sanctuary of God's temple, directing the seven angels who possess the bowls of wrath to unleash their contents upon the earth. This marks the culmination of God's righteous anger against persistent rebellion and wickedness, representing a comprehensive and severe outpouring of judgment on those who have rejected God and worshipped the Beast.

Revelation 16 1 Context

Revelation 16:1 marks the commencement of the third and final series of seven judgments: the bowls of God's wrath. This chapter immediately follows Revelation 15, which serves as a prologue, establishing the stage for these ultimate plagues. Revelation 15 introduces the seven angels and the seven bowls of wrath, emphasizing the righteous and just character of God, from whom these judgments proceed. The heavenly temple is revealed as the source, filled with the smoke of God's glory and power, signifying that access to His presence is closed during this time of judgment, and indicating the solemnity and divine authority of what is about to unfold. The context emphasizes that these are "the last" plagues (Rev 15:1), bringing God's wrath to its complete and decisive conclusion upon the earth before the consummation of all things. Historically and culturally, the imagery of temple, angels, and divine judgment would resonate with the Jewish apocalyptic tradition, while also directly challenging the contemporary Roman imperial cult by portraying God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

Revelation 16 1 Word analysis

• Then (καὶ - kai): Connects this action directly to the events of chapter 15, showing a seamless progression from the preparation for judgment to its immediate execution.
• I heard (ἤκουσα - ēkousa): John, the visionary, is the recipient of this auditory revelation, emphasizing its direct, divine origin.
• a loud (μεγάλης - megalēs): From megas, meaning "great" or "large." Describes the voice's intensity, indicating its authority and urgency, drawing immediate attention to the divine command.
• voice (φωνῆς - phōnēs): A sound or voice, here specifically signifying a verbal message of command from a divine source.
• from the temple (ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ - ek tou naou): The Greek word naos refers to the inner sanctuary of the temple, the holy place where God dwells, rather than the general temple complex (hieron). This signifies that the command emanates directly from God's presence, the very throne room of divine authority and justice.
• telling (λέγοντος - legontos): Literally "saying" or "speaking," conveying the directness of the command.
• the seven angels (τοῖς ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλοις - tois hepta angelois): The specific agents of judgment, already introduced in Rev 15:1. The number "seven" signifies divine completeness and perfection, implying that this series of judgments is the final and full outpouring.
• Go (Ὑπάγετε - Hypagete): A strong imperative command, indicating immediate action and obedience. It's a clear directive for the angels to depart from the temple and begin their assigned task.
• and pour out (καὶ ἐκχέετε - kai ekcheete): From ekcheō, meaning to "pour out," "shed forth," or "empty." This implies a full and complete emptying, leaving nothing behind. It suggests a rapid, irreversible, and comprehensive distribution of the bowls' contents.
• on the earth (εἰς τὴν γῆν - eis tēn gēn): The object of the judgment. In Revelation, "the earth" often refers to the sphere of rebellious humanity, particularly those who worship the Beast and reject God, distinguishing them from those in heaven or the redeemed.
• the seven bowls (τὰς ἑπτὰ φιάλας - tas hepta phialas): The instruments of wrath. Phialē refers to a shallow, wide bowl or saucer, traditionally used for pouring libations (drink offerings). Here, they hold and readily release the full measure of divine judgment, signifying the full measure of wrath ready for swift distribution.
• of the wrath (τοῦ θυμοῦ - tou thymou): From thymos, signifying an intense, heated, passionate outburst of anger or indignation. This word denotes the furious and fiery aspect of God's righteous anger, often implying a sudden and severe expression, as distinct from a more settled indignation (orgē).
• of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): Explicitly identifies the source of this ultimate wrath – the righteous and holy God. This is not arbitrary cruelty, but a just consequence for widespread rebellion and unrepentant sin.

• "A loud voice from the temple": Emphasizes the supreme authority and divine origin of the command. It's not a mere suggestion but a decree from God's most sacred dwelling place.
• "Go and pour out": A dual command: first, to proceed (go), then, to execute the task (pour out). The imperative mood highlights the immediate and non-negotiable nature of the angels' mission.
• "On the earth the seven bowls": Connects the location of judgment (earth, the sphere of rebellious humanity) with the instruments of judgment (the bowls, full measures of wrath). The totality of the seven bowls reflects the completeness of the judgment.
• "The wrath of God": The central theme. This phrase underscores the righteous indignation and fierce anger of God against the wickedness and rebellion that have prevailed on earth, bringing a decisive and final end to His patience with sin.

Revelation 16 1 Bonus section

The concept of "pouring out" judgment aligns with ancient practices of libations or pouring out liquids in religious contexts, but here it is reversed to signify destruction rather than offering. The full measure in the phialē implies an instantaneous, thorough, and undiluted judgment, distinct from the progressive judgments of the seals and trumpets. Unlike previous judgments which often provided opportunity for repentance (e.g., during the trumpets), the bowls signify a period where the recipients are irrevocably hardened against God, leaving no room for turning back. The intensity of thymos (fury/outburst of wrath) underlines the decisive, punitive, and consuming nature of these judgments, reflecting the crescendo of God's response to escalating human rebellion and the severe persecution of His saints.

Revelation 16 1 Commentary

Revelation 16:1 marks the climactic escalation of God's judgments against the unrepentant world. The clear, authoritative command from the divine throne room – symbolized by the "loud voice from the temple" – signals that the time for patience has ended and the era of definitive wrath has begun. The angels, as divine executors, are commissioned to empty the bowls, implying a rapid and exhaustive unleashing of judgment, with no delay or restraint. The "earth," representing humanity in its rebellion and allegiance to the Beast, is the specific target. This chapter's plagues are a culmination, a final, intense manifestation of God's holy character which cannot tolerate sin indefinitely. It serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice, where He renders to those who have persisted in rebellion the full measure of His righteous indignation.