What does Revelation 9:18 mean?

Explanation

Revelation 9:18 describes a catastrophic event in which a third of humanity is killed by three destructive elements: fire, smoke, and sulfur (brimstone).

These elements come out of the mouths of what the previous verses describe as "horses" in a vision that John, the author of the Book of Revelation, sees.

The verse is part of a larger passage detailing the sounding of the sixth of seven trumpets, each of which heralds a particular apocalyptic occurrence.

On a literal level, it evokes a scene of devastating warfare or divine judgment, with the three plagues being instruments of destruction.

On a deeper, more symbolic level, this verse is often interpreted as a representation of God's judgment and the spiritual battles between good and evil.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of John, was written around 95 A.D. when Christians were experiencing persecution under Roman rule.

The text is steeped in apocalyptic literature style, characterized by symbolic imagery and the use of visions to convey messages of divine judgment and the ultimate triumph of God.

The suffering and tribulation faced by early Christians are reflected in the vivid portrayals of catastrophe and divine retribution found in John's prophecies.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer varying interpretations of Revelation 9:18.

Dispensationalists might view this passage as a prediction of future events yet to unfold in a literal end-times scenario.

A preterist might interpret the verse as a symbolic representation of past historical events, such as the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

Amillennialists and postmillennialists may see it as a portrayal of spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of evil throughout the Christian era.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Revelation 9:18 can inspire individual reflection on the concepts of divine judgment and the repercussions of sin. It may encourage believers to live righteously, with an awareness of the ultimate accountability of all actions.

The verse can also serve as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly existence and the importance of one’s spiritual actions and their eternal consequences.

Cross-References

• Revelation 9:17 - "And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone."
• Revelation 8:7 - "The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up."
• Exodus 9:23-24 - "And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt."
• Genesis 19:24 - "Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, key words and their meanings include:

• "Fire" (πῦρ, pyr): Often symbolizes divine judgment or wrath.
• "Smoke" (καπνὸς, kapnos): Used metaphorically in biblical literature to represent the consequences of judgment.
• "Brimstone" (θεῖον, theion): Sulfur, associated with divine punishment and purification.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing Revelation 9:18 to other religious texts and ancient myths, one can find parallels in the concept of divine beings wielding power over nature to enact judgment.

For example, in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the gods send a great flood to punish humanity.

In the Norse myth Ragnarok, the world is foretold to end in a series of cataclysmic events, including fire.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Revelation 9:18's depiction of destruction by fire, smoke, and brimstone could be seen as analogous to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, which historically have had devastating effects on civilizations.

The language of the verse also resembles descriptions of the aftermath of meteorite impacts or massive wildfires, both of which could account for similar phenomena.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer a range of interpretations of Revelation 9:18.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests the passage depicts the extraordinary power that God's judgments have when they are inflicted upon a wicked world.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes the symbolic nature of the visions in Revelation, advising against interpreting the plagues described in the trumpet judgments too literally.

John MacArthur's Commentary may underscore the prophetic implications, viewing the verse as a preview of the final judgment that awaits the unrepentant at the end of time.