16:3 16:3

Revelation 16:4

16:5 16:5

Bible Versions

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
And {G2532} the third {G5154} angel {G32} poured out {G1632} his {G846} vial {G5357} upon {G1519} the rivers {G4215} and {G2532}{G1519} fountains {G4077} of waters {G5204}; and {G2532} they became {G1096} blood {G129}.
The third one poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they turned to blood.
And the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they turned to blood.
And the third poured out his bowl into the rivers and the fountains of the waters; and it became blood.

Revelation 16:4 describes the third of the seven bowls of God's wrath, a series of devastating judgments poured out upon the earth during the end times. This particular judgment targets the fresh water sources of the world, turning them into blood.

Context

This verse follows the first two bowl judgments, which afflicted humanity with grievous sores (Revelation 16:2) and turned the sea into blood (Revelation 16:3). The pouring out of the "vial" (or bowl) signifies a swift and complete outpouring of divine judgment. The progression from sea to rivers and fountains indicates an escalating intensity and a systematic targeting of all life-sustaining water sources, impacting humanity's ability to survive.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Wrath: The turning of fresh water into blood is a stark manifestation of God's righteous anger against the unrepentant world. It signifies a direct, unmistakable act of divine intervention and judgment.
  • Retribution and Justice: This judgment is not arbitrary. As revealed in the subsequent verses, the angel declares God's justice, stating that those who shed the blood of saints and prophets are now given blood to drink (Revelation 16:5-7). This highlights a principle of poetic justice, where the punishment fits the crime.
  • Desecration of Life: Water is fundamental for all life. Its transformation into blood symbolizes the complete corruption and taking of life, demonstrating the severity of God's judgment on a world that has rejected Him and persecuted His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "vial," but many modern translations render the Greek word phiale (φιάλη) as "bowl." This term refers to a shallow dish, often used for pouring out libations or offerings, suggesting a swift and complete emptying. The phrase "rivers and fountains of waters" specifically refers to fresh water sources, distinguishing this plague from the previous one that affected the sea. The transformation of water into "blood" is a literal and symbolic act, recalling the first Egyptian plague where the Nile turned to blood (Exodus 7:19-21), emphasizing a continuity in God's judgment throughout history against those who oppose Him.

Practical Application

Revelation 16:4 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His ultimate justice. While these specific judgments are apocalyptic, the underlying principles are timeless:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: God does not take sin lightly, especially the shedding of innocent blood and the persecution of His people. The Bible consistently warns against rejecting God's authority and harming His followers.
  • God's Justice Will Prevail: Ultimately, all injustices will be addressed by God. This verse offers a sobering perspective on the consequences for those who refuse to repent and instead oppose the Creator.
  • Call to Repentance: The escalating severity of these judgments is a final call for humanity to turn from its wicked ways and seek the mercy of God before it is too late. Understanding God's righteous anger should lead to a desire for reconciliation and a pursuit of repentance and salvation.
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.

  • Revelation 8:10

    And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

  • Revelation 8:11

    And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

  • Exodus 7:17

    Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

  • Exodus 7:20

    And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that [were] in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that [were] in the river were turned to blood.

  • Isaiah 50:2

    Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

  • Revelation 14:7

    Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

  • Revelation 16:5

    And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
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