Revelation 9:18

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὑπὸ
G5259
By
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 (
#2
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
τριῶν
G5140
three
"three"
#4
τούτων
G5130
these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#5
ἀπεκτάνθησαν
G615
killed
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#6
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
τρίτον
G5154
the third part
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
#8
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀνθρώπων
G444
of men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
ἐκ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πυρὸς
G4442
the fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐκ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#15
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
καπνοῦ
G2586
the smoke
smoke
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἐκ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#19
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θείου
G2303
the brimstone
sulphur
#21
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἐκπορευομένου
G1607
issued
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#23
ἐκ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#24
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
στομάτων
G4750
mouths
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#26
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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