Revelation 9 18

Revelation 9:18 kjv

By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Revelation 9:18 nkjv

By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed?by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.

Revelation 9:18 niv

A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.

Revelation 9:18 esv

By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.

Revelation 9:18 nlt

One-third of all the people on earth were killed by these three plagues ? by the fire and smoke and burning sulfur that came from the mouths of the horses.

Revelation 9 verses

Revelation 9 18 Meaning

Revelation 9:18 describes the devastating outcome of the sixth trumpet judgment, where a massive and precise proportion of humanity is killed. Specifically, a third of all mankind perishes. This destruction is attributed directly to the three elements—fire, smoke, and sulfur—that proceed from the mouths of the monstrous, demonic cavalry previously described in the passage. This verse underscores the severity and terrifying nature of God's escalating judgments upon an unrepentant world, where even forces of darkness are instrumentalized by divine permission to execute a specific, pre-ordained level of destruction.

Revelation 9 18 Context

Revelation chapter 9 details the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments, part of an escalating series of divine judgments. The fifth trumpet released demonic locusts that tormented mankind for five months but were forbidden to kill. The sixth trumpet judgment, which Rev 9:18 describes, ushers in an even more severe phase, allowing death. This verse focuses on the impact of a massive army of two hundred million cavalry, which are divinely permitted to unleash catastrophic power. Their destructive force—fire, smoke, and sulfur—is described as emanating from the very mouths of their lion-headed horses (Rev 9:17). This context highlights that these are not natural disasters, but supernatural or demonic agents of God’s specific and terrifying wrath. Crucially, immediately following this devastation (Rev 9:20-21), John reveals that despite such clear judgments, the remaining portion of humanity refused to repent, underscoring their profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts.

Revelation 9 18 Word analysis

• By these three plagues: ἐκ τῶν τριῶν πληγῶν τούτων (ek tōn triōn plēgōn toutōn)

  • πληγῶν (plēgōn): "plagues," "strokes," "blows." Carries a strong connotation of divinely sent punishment or affliction, reminiscent of the plagues upon Egypt (Exo 9:14, Rev 15:1). This term underscores the intentional and punitive nature of the judgment.
  • "three plagues": Refers specifically to the fire, smoke, and sulfur described as the agents of death. Not distinct events, but elements of one destructive phenomenon. This number signifies a completion or intensity within this judgment.

• a third: τὸ τρίτον (to triton)

  • "third": This precise fraction recurs throughout Revelation's trumpet judgments (Rev 8:7-12). It signifies a massive, but not complete, annihilation. It emphasizes God's sovereign control over the extent of destruction, offering opportunity for repentance, though it is often ignored (Rev 9:20-21).

• of mankind: τῶν ἀνθρώπων (tōn anthrōpōn)

  • "mankind": Refers to human beings in general, indicating a widespread global impact on the entire human population, rather than a specific region or group. It highlights the vast scale of the judgment.

• was killed: ἀπεκτάνθη (apektanthē)

  • "was killed": Aorist passive indicative. Denotes a completed action by an external force. This death is not accidental but divinely permitted and accomplished. The emphasis is on the direct agency of death through the released destructive powers.

• by the fire and smoke and sulfur: ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ τοῦ καπνοῦ καὶ τοῦ θείου (ek tou pyros kai tou kapnou kai tou theiou)

  • πυρὸς (pyros): "fire." A pervasive biblical symbol for divine judgment, purification, holiness, and consuming wrath (Heb 12:29, Deut 4:24). Its destructive power is overwhelming.
  • καπνοῦ (kapnou): "smoke." Often associated with intense fire, wrath, or overwhelming destruction. It suggests a suffocating, blinding, and terrifying consequence of divine visitation (Gen 19:28, Ps 18:8, Rev 9:2-3).
  • θείου (theiou): "sulfur" or "brimstone." A distinctive symbol of direct and severe divine judgment, most notably linked to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24, Luke 17:29, Rev 14:10). Its presence underscores the nature of these plagues as an act of divine vengeance.
  • "Fire and smoke and sulfur": This specific trio vividly describes an all-consuming, utterly destructive force. The elements themselves evoke immediate mental images of unholy annihilation and ultimate judgment.

• coming out of their mouths: τοῦ ἐκπορευομένου ἐκ τῶν στομάτων αὐτῶν (tou ekporeuomenou ek tōn stomatōn autōn)

  • ἐκπορευομένου (ekporeuomenou): "coming out, proceeding." Present participle, highlighting the ongoing nature of the emanation of these destructive forces.
  • στομάτων (stomatōn): "mouths." Refers to the mouths of the horses ridden by the cavalry. In Rev 9:17, these horses' heads are explicitly described as like lions' heads. This detail attributes a monstrous, living, and directed source to the plagues, embodying the demonic and terrifying nature of the agents of judgment.

Revelation 9 18 Bonus section

The precise number "a third" repeatedly used in the trumpet judgments, culminating here in the death of a third of mankind, implies a structured, purposeful divine plan rather than chaotic, random destruction. It is a judgment under God's strict control. The origin of the fire, smoke, and sulfur from the "mouths" of the horses transforms these otherwise natural destructive elements into an almost animate, targeted weapon, enhancing the terrifying, supernatural nature of the judgment and distinguishing it from ordinary warfare. This points to the unseen spiritual realities driving the visible calamitous events. The imagery subtly asserts the power of the True God over any perceived strength of worldly powers or demonic entities, showing how He orchestrates even seemingly evil forces to accomplish His will for judgment and an ultimate call to repentance. This concept implicitly challenges any pagan notion of unconstrained chaos or independent evil.

Revelation 9 18 Commentary

Revelation 9:18 portrays a horrifying intensification of divine judgment during the sixth trumpet. Following a period of torment, this verse describes widespread death on an unprecedented scale, specifically a third of the world's population. This calibrated judgment is carried out through infernal elements—fire, smoke, and sulfur—which proceed directly from the mouths of the monstrous, lion-headed horses of the two hundred million cavalry. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament themes of divine wrath (like Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction), underscoring that these are direct acts of God’s sovereign hand, even if mediated by terrifying demonic forces. The use of "a third" (repeated from previous trumpet judgments) indicates God's precise control and the graduated severity of His discipline, yet also a partiality that preserves a remnant for potential repentance. The lack of repentance that immediately follows this devastation (Rev 9:20-21) tragically highlights humanity's obstinacy in the face of unmistakable divine warning. The passage serves as a sober reminder of the gravity of God's justice and the profound consequences of continued rebellion.