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.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὸ
By
G5259
ὑπὸ
By
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
1 of 26
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτον
the third part
G5154
τρίτον
the third part
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
7 of 26
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυρὸς
the fire
G4442
πυρὸς
the fire
Strong's:
G4442
Word #:
12 of 26
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
23 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 9:17And 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 9:15And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare often involved burning cities and mass casualties, but this vision's scale exceeds any historical battle. The imagery communicated to first-century readers that coming judgments would surpass even Rome's devastating military campaigns. The partial nature (one-third) emphasized that these were warning judgments, not yet final consummation.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the reality of massive death in divine judgment affect your urgency in evangelism and prayer for the lost?
- What does the limitation to 'a third' reveal about God's restraint even in judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
The threefold plague (fire, smoke, brimstone) killing a third of mankind demonstrates judgment's massive scale. The fraction 'third part' appears throughout Revelation's judgments, indicating partial rather than total destruction—still leaving opportunity for repentance. These plagues parallel the Egyptian plagues' escalation. Reformed theology sees such judgments as common grace warnings; God restrains full wrath while offering space for repentance (Romans 2:4). The staggering death toll underscores sin's seriousness and coming wrath's terror. Yet the impenitent remain hardened (9:20-21), demonstrating human depravity's extent.