Revelation 16:17

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the seventh {G1442} angel {G32} poured out {G1632} his {G846} vial {G5357} into {G1519} the air {G109}; and {G2532} there came {G1831} a great {G3173} voice {G5456} out of {G575} the temple {G3485} of heaven {G3772}, from {G575} the throne {G2362}, saying {G3004}, It is done {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The seventh one poured out his bowl on the air, and a loud voice came out of the Temple from the throne, saying, “It is done!”

Berean Standard Bible

Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, “It is done!”

American Standard Version

And the seventh poured out his bowl upon the air; and there came forth a great voice out of the temple, from the throne, saying, It is done:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:17 marks the climactic moment of the seven bowl judgments, depicting the seventh angel pouring out his vial into the atmosphere, followed by a thunderous declaration from the very throne of God in heaven: "It is done." This pronouncement signifies the absolute finality and completion of God's wrathful judgments upon the earth, paving the way for the consummation of His divine plan and the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 16:17 serves as the dramatic culmination of the seven bowl judgments, detailed throughout [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation Chapter 16 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath"). Preceding this verse, the earth has endured a series of increasingly severe plagues: grievous sores (Rev 16:2), seas and rivers turning to blood (Rev 16:3-4), scorching sun (Rev 16:8-9), and profound darkness (Rev 16:10-11). The sixth bowl judgment specifically prepared the way for the gathering of the kings of the earth for the great battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:12-16). The pouring of the seventh vial "into the air" and the subsequent declaration "It is done" immediately precede cataclysmic events like the great earthquake, the division of the great city, and the fall of Babylon, as described in [Revelation 16:18-21](/revelation/16-18-21 "Revelation 16:18-21 - The Great Earthquake and Babylon's Fall"), indicating that this declaration marks the decisive end of this specific phase of divine retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written to early Christians facing intense persecution under the Roman Empire, offering them hope and assurance of God's ultimate victory and justice. The imagery of divine judgment, a heavenly temple, and a throne from which pronouncements are made, draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions (e.g., [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne") or [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Throne-Chariot")). The concept of a "vial" or "bowl" (Greek: _phiálē_) as a vessel for pouring out wrath is a vivid metaphor for divine indignation being fully discharged. The "air" (Greek: _aḗr_) was often considered the realm of spiritual powers (as seen in [Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "Ephesians 2:2 - Prince of the Power of the Air")), suggesting that this judgment affects not only the physical world but also the unseen spiritual forces that influence it, making the judgment truly universal.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several major theological and narrative themes central to Revelation. It underscores God's **absolute sovereignty and control** over all events, demonstrating that the unfolding judgments are not random but part of a divinely orchestrated plan emanating directly from His throne, a consistent symbol of His supreme authority throughout the book (e.g., [Revelation 4:2](/revelation/4-2 "Revelation 4:2 - God on His Throne")). The declaration "It is done" emphasizes the **finality and irreversibility of divine judgment**, signaling the completion of God's righteous wrath against sin and rebellion. The pouring of the vial "into the air" highlights the **cosmic and universal scope of this judgment**, indicating that no part of creation or human existence will be untouched by the consequences of God's justice. Furthermore, it marks the **climax of God's wrath**, serving as a decisive turning point that leads directly into the ultimate consummation of His redemptive and judicial purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ekchéō (Greek, _ekchéō'_):** Translated "poured out," this verb signifies a forceful and complete discharge. In the context of the bowls of wrath, it vividly conveys the unreserved and overwhelming nature of God's judgment. It is not a sprinkling or a partial release, but a full, unmitigated outpouring of divine indignation, emphasizing the totality of the wrath being administered.
* **aḗr (Greek, _aḗr'_):** Meaning "air" or "atmosphere," the pouring of the vial into this realm suggests a judgment that is pervasive and inescapable. Unlike previous judgments that targeted specific elements like the sea, rivers, or the sun, a judgment "into the air" implies a universal reach, affecting the very breath of life and the environment that sustains all living things. It may also symbolically touch upon the spiritual realm, as the air was sometimes associated with the domain of evil spiritual forces.
* **gínomai (Greek, _gínomai'_):** Translated "It is done," this verb in its perfect active indicative form (γεγονεν, _gegonen_) signifies an action that has been completed in the past with ongoing, permanent results. It is a declaration of absolute finality, not merely that something will happen or is happening, but that it has already come into being and remains so. This pronouncement from the divine throne underscores the irreversible nature of this phase of God's judgments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air":** This clause introduces the final angelic agent in the series of bowl judgments. The "seventh angel" signifies the culmination of this specific sequence of divine retribution. The act of "pouring out his vial" symbolizes the full and complete discharge of God's wrath, held within a shallow bowl or phial. The target, "into the air," is highly significant, indicating a judgment that is universal, affecting the entire atmosphere and, by extension, all life and possibly even the spiritual forces that operate within the unseen realm. It suggests an all-encompassing judgment from which there is no escape.
* **"and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying":** This phrase identifies the source and nature of the authoritative declaration. The "great voice" denotes immense power, authority, and undeniable significance. Its origin "out of the temple of heaven" points to God's holy dwelling place, emphasizing the sacred and righteous nature of the judgment. Furthermore, its emanation "from the throne" unequivocally identifies the voice as God's own, or a direct utterance from His seat of supreme sovereignty and judicial authority, underscoring that these cataclysmic events are divinely orchestrated and controlled.
* **"It is done":** This succinct yet profoundly powerful declaration serves as the ultimate pronouncement of finality. In the context of the bowl judgments, it signifies that this particular series of God's wrathful decrees has reached its appointed completion. It is not merely a statement of future intent or ongoing process, but a definitive assertion of accomplished fact, with permanent and irreversible consequences. This declaration sets the stage for the subsequent events in Revelation, confirming that a major phase of God's eschatological plan has been brought to its decisive close.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:17 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "vial" representing God's contained wrath, ready to be unleashed. The act of pouring "into the air" is symbolic of a judgment that is universal and pervasive, affecting every corner of existence and perhaps even the spiritual atmosphere. The "temple of heaven" and "throne" are powerful symbols of God's holy presence, His ultimate authority, and His judicial power, reinforcing that these events are divinely ordained. The "great voice" is an instance of **anthropomorphism** or **theophany**, attributing a human-like vocalization to God or His direct manifestation, emphasizing His direct involvement and the undeniable impact of His pronouncement. The declaration "It is done" functions as a dramatic **climax** for the bowl judgments, providing a sense of finality and closure to this specific series of plagues. It also serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, indicating that while this phase of judgment is complete, it immediately precedes further, equally dramatic events, creating a sense of escalating tension and anticipation for the ultimate consummation of God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:17 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. The declaration "It is done" from the divine throne underscores that God's purposes, including His judgments against sin and rebellion, will be fully and irrevocably accomplished. This provides profound assurance for believers that evil will not ultimately prevail, and that God will bring all things to their appointed end, vindicating His righteousness and establishing His perfect kingdom. For those who reject Him, it serves as a solemn warning of the certainty and finality of divine accountability, demonstrating that no one can escape the consequences of defying the Creator.

* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - God's Declaration of Completion")
* [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Triumphant Cry, 'It is Finished'")
* [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Daniel 12:7 - The End of Times and Fulfillment of Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:17 offers a powerful lens through which to view God's character and our place in His grand narrative. For the believer, the resounding "It is done" from the throne of heaven provides immense comfort and certainty. It assures us that God is actively working out His purposes, that His justice will prevail, and that the chaos and suffering of this world are not without end or meaning. This should inspire a deep trust in His sovereignty and a confident hope in His ultimate victory. For all humanity, this verse serves as a solemn call to reflection: if God's judgment is so final and comprehensive, how ought we to live? It compels us to consider our standing before a holy God, urging humility, repentance, and a turning to Christ for salvation. It reminds us that our time on earth is finite, and our choices have eternal consequences. This understanding should motivate us to live lives that honor God, to share the good news of His salvation with urgency, and to persevere in faith, knowing that our God is faithful to complete all His promises, both of judgment and of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "It is done" impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plans?**
* **What is your personal response to the reality of God's final judgment as depicted in this verse?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to live a life of greater urgency and faithfulness in light of God's ultimate control and justice?**

### FAQ

**What does "It is done" mean in the context of Revelation 16:17?**

Answer: In this context, "It is done" (Greek: _Gegonen_) signifies the absolute completion and finality of the seven bowl judgments, which are a specific series of God's wrath poured out upon the earth. It does not mean the end of all things or the entire prophetic timeline, but rather the decisive conclusion of this particular phase of divine retribution. It's a declaration from God's throne, indicating that His decreed wrath for this period has been fully discharged, setting the stage for the subsequent dramatic events, such as the great earthquake and the fall of Babylon described in [Revelation 16:18-21](/revelation/16-18-21 "Revelation 16:18-21 - The Aftermath of the Seventh Bowl").

**Why is the vial poured "into the air" rather than on a specific part of the earth?**

Answer: The pouring of the vial "into the air" (Greek: _eis ton aéra_) signifies the universal and pervasive nature of this final judgment. Unlike previous bowls that targeted specific elements like the sea, rivers, or the sun, the air is ubiquitous, affecting all life and representing the entire global environment. It suggests that no one and nothing will escape its effects, as the very atmosphere that sustains life is impacted. Furthermore, in biblical thought, the "air" can sometimes represent the realm of spiritual powers (e.g., [Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "Ephesians 2:2 - The Prince of the Power of the Air")), implying that this judgment also extends to the unseen spiritual forces of evil that influence the world, making the judgment truly comprehensive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 16:17 describes a moment of intense divine judgment, its ultimate significance is deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great voice" from the "throne" declaring "It is done" finds its echo and indeed its ultimate authority in Christ, who is the Lamb on the throne (e.g., [Revelation 5:6-7](/revelation/5-6-7 "Revelation 5:6-7 - The Lamb Takes the Scroll")). The wrath poured out in the bowls is God's righteous response to human sin and rebellion, a wrath that Christ Himself bore on the cross. His triumphant cry, "It is finished!" (Greek: _Tetelestai_) in [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words on the Cross"), signifies the complete and perfect work of salvation, through which He fully satisfied God's just demands against sin. Thus, for those who are "in Christ" by faith, the "It is done" of judgment in Revelation 16:17 is not a threat, but a confirmation that the justice that must fall upon sin has already been met in their Substitute. Christ, as the righteous Judge (e.g., [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), is the one through whom these final judgments are executed, ensuring that God's holiness is upheld and His kingdom is established in perfect righteousness, leading to a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (e.g., [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Revelation 10:6

And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Revelation 10:7

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Revelation 15:5

¶ And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

Revelation 15:6

And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.