Revelation 16:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤκουσα

G191

I heard

to hear (in various senses)

φωνῆς

G5456

voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλης

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναοῦ

G3485

the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

λεγούσης

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἑπτὰ

G2033

to the seven

seven

#11

ἀγγέλοις

G32

angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

#12

Ὑπάγετε

G5217

Go your ways

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἐκχέατε

G1632

pour out

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

#15

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

φιάλας

G5357

the vials

a broad shallow cup ("phial")

#17

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

θυμοῦ

G2372

of the wrath

passion (as if breathing hard)

#19

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#21

εἰς

G1519

upon

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

γῆν

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights judgment and justice through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about judgment and justice?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?