TRV
Revelation 16:12
Bible Versions
¶ 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.
And {G2532} the sixth {G1623} angel {G32} poured out {G1632} his {G846} vial {G5357} upon {G1909} the great {G3173} river {G4215} Euphrates {G2166}; and {G2532} the water {G5204} thereof {G846} was dried up {G3583}, that {G2443} the way {G3598} of the kings {G935} of {G575} the east {G395}{G2246} might be prepared {G2090}.
The sixth one poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water dried up, in order to prepare the way for the kings from the east.
And the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East.
And the sixth poured out his bowl upon the great river, the river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way might be made ready for the kings that come from the sunrising.
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Revelation 9:14
Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. -
Jeremiah 51:36
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry. -
Isaiah 41:25
I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay. -
Isaiah 44:27
That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: -
Jeremiah 50:38
A drought [is] upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols. -
Jeremiah 50:40
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein. -
Isaiah 42:15
I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
Revelation 16:12 describes a pivotal event during the pouring out of the sixth of the seven bowl judgments, marking a significant stage in the end-time prophecies. This verse highlights God's direct intervention in preparing the world for the climactic events leading to Christ's return.
Context
This verse is situated within the series of seven bowl (or vial) judgments described in Revelation chapter 16. These judgments represent the final and most severe expressions of God's wrath upon a rebellious world before the return of Jesus Christ. The first five bowls inflict various plagues, while the sixth and seventh set the stage for the ultimate confrontation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The "great river Euphrates" (Greek: Euphrates) was historically a significant geographical boundary, often associated with invaders from the east. The phrase "dried up" (Greek: xeraino) implies a complete and supernatural desiccation, not merely a seasonal low. The "kings of the east" (Greek: basileis apo anatolon heliou) literally translates to "kings from the rising of the sun," emphasizing their origin from the far eastern regions, possibly referring to vast Asian powers.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 16:12 serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous control over history and prophecy. Even amidst terrifying judgments, His purposes are being precisely fulfilled. For believers, this verse offers assurance that God is sovereign over all events, including the chaotic ones, and that His plan is moving towards its ultimate conclusion. It encourages vigilance and faithfulness, knowing that the stage is being set for Christ's triumphant return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Understanding these prophecies should inspire awe for God's power and a deeper commitment to living in light of His coming.