Revelation 16:4
And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτος
the third
G5154
τρίτος
the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
3 of 20
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
ἄγγελος
angel
G32
ἄγγελος
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
4 of 20
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
upon
G1519
εἰς
upon
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποταμοὺς
the rivers
G4215
ποταμοὺς
the rivers
Strong's:
G4215
Word #:
11 of 20
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
upon
G1519
εἰς
upon
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πηγὰς
fountains
G4077
πηγὰς
fountains
Strong's:
G4077
Word #:
15 of 20
a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.Revelation 16:5And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.Isaiah 50:2Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.Hosea 13:15Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.
Historical Context
Water sources were vital for ancient cities' survival. Contaminated water brought disease and death. The plague recalls Egypt's judgment for enslaving Israel. First-century believers understood this imagery as just recompense—persecutors who shed believers' blood would themselves thirst, finding only blood to drink. The reversal emphasized divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the contamination of life-sustaining water sources illustrate the comprehensive reach of God's judgments?
- What does the connection to martyrs' blood (v. 6) teach about God's justice in answering innocent suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
The third angel pouring his vial on rivers and fountains, turning them to blood, parallels Egypt's first plague (Exodus 7:19-21). This judgment strikes fresh water sources, making them undrinkable and deadly. The completeness ('became blood') emphasizes total corruption, not partial contamination. Reformed theology sees these judgments as both literal and symbolic—literal consequences of sin's curse on creation, symbolic of spiritual death. The progression from sea (v. 3) to fresh water sources shows comprehensive judgment affecting all water—nowhere to escape contamination. This answers the martyrs' blood shed unjustly (v. 6).