What does Revelation 9:18 mean?
"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
Revelation 9:18 (KJV) states: "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."
The book of Revelation is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic text found in the New Testament of the Bible, and it is often considered one of the most challenging books to interpret. It is traditionally attributed to the apostle John, who wrote it while exiled on the island of Patmos. The text is filled with vivid imagery, visions, and prophecies about the end times and the return of Jesus Christ.
In this particular verse, John describes a catastrophic event in which a third of humanity is killed by three destructive elements: fire, smoke, and brimstone. These elements are said to issue out of the mouths of a group of beings that are unleashed upon the earth. It is important to understand that the language used in this verse is highly symbolic and metaphorical, rather than literal.
To interpret this verse, it is necessary to look at the broader context of the book of Revelation and consider the themes and symbols that appear throughout the text. One of the key themes of Revelation is the idea of divine judgment and the consequences of human rebellion against God. The book presents a vision of the eventual triumph of good over evil and the ultimate restoration of God's kingdom.
The use of fire, smoke, and brimstone in this verse is highly symbolic and carries deep theological significance. Fire is often associated with purification and judgment in the Bible. It represents the refining and purifying work of God, as well as the consuming nature of his righteousness. Smoke, on the other hand, is a symbol of the consequences of sin and rebellion. It represents the darkening and obscuring of truth and the consequences of turning away from God. Brimstone, or sulfur, is often associated with divine punishment and destruction.
The fact that these destructive elements issue out of the mouths of the beings symbolizes the power of words and communication. It suggests that the destructive force unleashed upon the earth is in some way related to human communication and the spread of evil or false teachings.
In a broader context, this verse can be seen as a warning about the consequences of human rebellion and the ultimate judgment of God. It serves as a reminder of the power and holiness of God, as well as the potential consequences of turning away from him. It also points to the reality of spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the world.
Ultimately, the message of Revelation 9:18 is that God is sovereign and just, and that ultimately, all will be held accountable for their actions. The destructive forces described in this verse serve as a stark warning, but they are also a reminder of the hope and promise of ultimate restoration and redemption. While the imagery may be frightening, the overall message of Revelation is one of hope, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
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Revelation 9:18 Artwork
Revelation 9:18 - "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."
"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
Revelation 18:9 - "And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,"
Revelation 22:18
Revelation 11:9
Revelation 9:11
Revelation 18:18 - "And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!"
Revelation 9:7-10
Revelation 12:3-9
Revelation 13:18 Mark of the Beast 666
Revelation 9:9 - "And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle."
Revelation 13:9 - "If any man have an ear, let him hear."
Revelation 18:24 - "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."
Revelation 21:18 - "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."
Revelation 9:8 - "And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions."
Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."
Revelation 18:5 - "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."
Revelation 18:11 - "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:"
Revelation 9:12 - "One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter."
Revelation 9:21 - "Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."
"And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning," - Revelation 18:9
Revelation 18:20 - "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."
Revelation 1:18 - "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Revelation 18:16 - "And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!"
Revelation 9:16 - "And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them."
Revelation 17:9 - "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."
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."
Revelation 18:15 - "The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,"
Revelation 18:13 - "And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men."
Revelation 9:10 - "And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months."