Revelation 16:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I heard {G191} a great {G3173} voice {G5456} out of {G1537} the temple {G3485} saying {G3004} to the seven {G2033} angels {G32}, Go your ways {G5217}, and {G2532} pour out {G1632} the vials {G5357} of the wrath {G2372} of God {G2316} upon {G1519} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I heard a loud voice from the sanctuary say to the seven angels, “Go, and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s fury!”

Berean Standard Bible

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath.”

American Standard Version

And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, Go ye, and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God into the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:1 initiates the final, climactic series of divine judgments known as the seven bowl judgments, depicting a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of God's righteous wrath. A powerful, authoritative voice emanating from the very presence of God in the heavenly temple commands the seven angels to unleash these catastrophic plagues upon an unrepentant earth, signifying the swift and complete culmination of divine justice against human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 16:1 immediately follows the prelude in [Revelation 15](/revelation/15 "Revelation 15 - The Seven Angels and the Seven Plagues"), where the seven angels are introduced, having been given the "seven golden vials full of the wrath of God" ([Revelation 15:7](/revelation/15-7 "Revelation 15:7 - Angels Receive Bowls of Wrath")). This verse marks the transition from preparation to execution, signaling the final phase of God's judgment, distinct from but building upon the preceding [seven seals](/revelation/6 "Revelation 6 - The Seven Seals") and [seven trumpet judgments](/revelation/8 "Revelation 8 - The Seven Trumpet Judgments"). While the seals revealed God's sovereign control over history and the trumpets announced partial judgments designed to call humanity to repentance, the bowls represent the full, unmitigated outpouring of God's wrath, leaving no room for further delay or repentance for those who have hardened their hearts. The narrative intensifies, moving towards the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of divine judgment and the outpouring of wrath would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who were likely facing intense persecution under the Roman Empire, particularly during the reign of emperors like Domitian. The "temple" in this context refers not to the earthly Jerusalem temple, which had been destroyed, but to the heavenly sanctuary, symbolizing God's unassailable holiness, justice, and absolute authority. The concept of God's wrath (Greek *thymos*) was understood as a fierce, righteous indignation against sin, not an uncontrolled outburst, but a deliberate act of divine justice. The "earth" (Greek *gē*) often refers to the ungodly inhabitants of the world who oppose God and His people, rather than the physical planet itself. The "vials" or "bowls" (Greek *phialē*) were shallow, wide dishes used for libations or offerings, suggesting a swift and complete emptying, unlike a narrow-necked bottle that would pour slowly. This imagery would have conveyed the immediacy and totality of the impending judgments.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout Revelation. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as the command originates from the heavenly temple, emphasizing that these judgments are not random events but are divinely ordained and executed by God Himself. Secondly, it reveals the **Culmination of God's Righteous Wrath**, presenting a period where divine patience has reached its limit, and justice is fully administered against persistent rebellion. This wrath is a terrifying prospect for those who reject God, as also depicted in [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath"). Thirdly, the passage reinforces the **Unveiling of God's Justice**, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to evil but will ultimately bring all injustice to account. The actions of the seven angels, carrying out God's explicit command, underscore the certainty and severity of these final judgments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** From the provided Strong's data, *phōnḗ* refers to a "tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language." In this context, "great voice" (G3173 *mégas* + G5456 *phōnḗ*) signifies an authoritative, powerful, and unmistakable declaration, emphasizing the divine origin and unchallengeable nature of the command. It is not a whisper or a suggestion, but a resounding decree from the heavenly throne room.
* **pour out (Greek, _ekchéō'_):** The verb *ekchéō* (G1632) means "to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow." This word choice is crucial, as it implies a swift, complete, and unreserved discharge of the contents. Unlike a gradual release, "pouring out" suggests an immediate and comprehensive unleashing of the judgments, leaving nothing held back. It conveys the totality and finality of God's wrath.
* **wrath (Greek, _thymós'_):** *Thymós* (G2372) denotes "passion (as if breathing hard):--fierceness, indignation, wrath." This term describes an intense, burning indignation or fierce anger. It is a strong, immediate, and often violent emotion, distinguishing it from *orgē*, which signifies a more settled, abiding indignation. Here, *thymós* emphasizes the immediate and severe nature of this final series of judgments, highlighting God's righteous and intense displeasure with sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying":** This clause establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the command. John, the visionary, hears this voice, signifying that the subsequent events are not random but are directly orchestrated by God. The "temple" refers to the heavenly sanctuary, the very dwelling place of God, underscoring the holiness and justice inherent in the command. The "great voice" denotes its power, majesty, and undeniable nature, demanding immediate attention and obedience.
* **"to the seven angels":** The recipients of this momentous command are the seven angels, who were previously introduced in [Revelation 15:1](/revelation/15-1 "Revelation 15:1 - The Seven Last Plagues") as those holding the seven last plagues. This highlights their specific role as divine executors of judgment, entrusted with the task of unleashing God's wrath upon the earth. Their number, seven, often symbolizes completeness and perfection in Revelation, indicating that these are the final, complete judgments.
* **"Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.":** This is the direct, imperative command. "Go your ways" conveys urgency and immediate dispatch. "Pour out the vials" (or bowls) signifies the swift and total release of the divine judgments. The "vials" are explicitly identified as containing "the wrath of God," emphasizing the source and nature of these plagues. The target is "the earth," which in Revelation often refers to the ungodly inhabitants of the world who have rejected God and persecuted His people, signifying that these judgments are directed specifically against those who have refused to repent.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "temple" symbolizing God's holy presence and ultimate authority, and the "vials" (or bowls) symbolizing the full measure of God's wrath, ready to be poured out completely and swiftly. The "earth" serves as a symbol for the unrepentant world and its inhabitants, the specific target of these judgments. **Aural Imagery** is central, as the vision begins with John hearing a "great voice," emphasizing the divine origin and the authoritative nature of the command. The **Imperative Mood** ("Go your ways," "pour out") underscores the urgency and directness of God's decree, leaving no room for hesitation or questioning. Furthermore, the concept of "the wrath of God" is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (wrath) to God, but it is understood as a righteous, holy, and just indignation against sin, not an uncontrolled human passion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:1 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that while God is patient and merciful, His patience is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately be fully administered. The "wrath of God" is not capricious but is a holy response to persistent human rebellion, idolatry, and persecution of His saints. This verse connects to the Old Testament prophetic tradition, where God's judgment is frequently depicted as an outpouring of divine indignation against sin and unrighteousness, often in the form of plagues or natural disasters, as seen in the plagues upon Egypt in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt"). It underscores the biblical truth that God will not forever tolerate sin, and there will be a day of reckoning for all who reject His grace. The severity of these final judgments highlights the immense gravity of sin and the profound holiness of God.

* [Revelation 15:7](/revelation/15-7 "Revelation 15:7 - Angels Receive Bowls of Wrath")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed from Heaven")
* [Nahum 1:2-6](/nahum/1-2-6 "Nahum 1:2-6 - The Lord Is a Jealous and Avenging God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:1 is a sobering reminder of the gravity of human rebellion against a holy God and the inescapable consequences of unrepentant sin. For those who have not yet submitted to God, these judgments highlight the profound urgency of turning to Christ for salvation. The Bible consistently presents Jesus as the one who delivers us from the wrath to come, offering a way of escape from the very judgments described here. This passage compels us to examine our own lives: are we living in alignment with God's will, or are we among those who harden their hearts against Him? For followers of Christ, this passage, while terrifying in its depiction of judgment, also affirms God's perfect justice and His ultimate victory over evil. Believers are promised deliverance from this wrath through faith in Jesus Christ, and can find comfort in God's sovereign control over all things, knowing that He will ultimately set all wrongs right. It should motivate us to live lives of holiness, to share the good news of salvation with urgency, and to trust in God's righteous plan, even when it involves severe judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "great voice out of the temple" emphasize God's absolute authority and the certainty of His judgments?**
* **What does the imagery of "pouring out the vials" (bowls) communicate about the nature and intensity of God's wrath?**
* **In what ways should the prospect of God's final judgment motivate believers to live differently and share the Gospel?**
* **How does this verse, despite its severity, ultimately affirm God's justice and sovereignty for those who trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "great voice out of the temple" in this verse?**

Answer: The "great voice out of the temple" signifies the direct, authoritative command of God Himself. In Revelation, the temple often represents the heavenly sanctuary, the seat of God's holy presence, justice, and sovereign rule. The "greatness" of the voice emphasizes its power, majesty, and the undeniable nature of the decree. It underscores that these judgments are not random events or human-initiated disasters, but are divinely ordained and executed as a righteous response to persistent sin and rebellion. It is God's final word of judgment, emanating from the very core of His being and His holy dwelling place.

**How do the "vials" (bowls) of wrath differ from the previously described seals and trumpet judgments in Revelation?**

Answer: The "vials" or "bowls" (Greek *phiálē*) represent the final and most intense series of God's judgments, distinct from the seals and trumpets in their nature and purpose. The [seven seals](/revelation/6 "Revelation 6 - The Seven Seals") primarily reveal God's sovereign control over historical events, including war, famine, and death, and are often seen as judgments that affect a portion of the earth. The [seven trumpet judgments](/revelation/8 "Revelation 8 - The Seven Trumpet Judgments") are more severe, affecting a third of the earth, sea, rivers, and celestial bodies, and are often interpreted as warning judgments designed to call humanity to repentance. In contrast, the bowl judgments are described as swift, complete, and unmitigated. The imagery of shallow bowls being "poured out" suggests a rapid, total, and widespread outpouring of wrath, affecting the entire unrepentant earth. They signify the culmination of God's wrath, leaving no room for further repentance for those who have hardened their hearts, leading directly to the final defeat of God's enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 16:1 describes the outpouring of God's wrath, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in Christ *executing* wrath upon His own, but in Christ *bearing* that wrath on behalf of those who believe. Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the one appointed by the Father to be the judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). However, for those who put their faith in Him, He has already absorbed the full fury of divine wrath on the cross. The very indignation and judgment poured out in the bowls were fully experienced by Christ, who became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin")). Therefore, for believers, this terrifying display of God's justice serves as a profound reminder of the immense cost of their salvation and the depth of God's love, which provided a substitute. We are saved from the wrath to come through Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ"); [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers Us from the Wrath to Come")). Thus, Revelation 16:1, by revealing the severity of God's wrath, magnifies the glory of Christ's atoning work and the security of those who are found in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zephaniah 3:8

¶ Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination [is] to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, [even] all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

Revelation 15:1

¶ And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Jeremiah 10:25

Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Revelation 16:2

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image.

Revelation 16:12

¶ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Revelation 16:17

¶ And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Psalms 79:6

¶ Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.