Revelation 9:14

Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

Saying {G3004} to the sixth {G1623} angel {G32} which {G3739} had {G2192} the trumpet {G4536}, Loose {G3089} the four {G5064} angels {G32} which {G3588} are bound {G1210} in {G1909} the great {G3173} river {G4215} Euphrates {G2166}.

saying to the sixth angel, the one with the shofar, “Release the four angels that are bound at the great river Euphrates!”

saying to the sixth angel with the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”

one saying to the sixth angel that had the trumpet, Loose the four angels that are bound at the great river Euphrates.

Revelation 9:14 describes a pivotal moment during the sixth trumpet judgment, where a divine command is issued to unleash powerful, previously restrained forces.

Context

This verse is part of the unfolding series of trumpet judgments, which escalate in severity after the initial four trumpets affecting nature and the fifth trumpet bringing forth demonic locusts (Revelation 9:1-11). The sixth trumpet marks a transition to an even more devastating phase of divine wrath, directly preceding the release of a massive destructive force described in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The command to "loose the four angels" underscores God's absolute control over all forces, even those that bring immense destruction. These angels, whether fallen or specifically appointed for this task, are instruments of His sovereign will, executing a preordained judgment.
  • Unleashing of Restrained Evil: The phrase "bound in the great river Euphrates" suggests that these entities were held in check until the precise moment of God's timing. Their release signifies an intensification of judgment and the removal of divine restraint, allowing greater evil or destructive power to manifest on earth. This highlights a theme of divine patience reaching its limit.
  • Geographical and Symbolic Significance of the Euphrates: The river Euphrates was a historical boundary for Israel and a traditional invasion route for powerful eastern empires like Assyria and Babylon. In apocalyptic literature, it often symbolizes a source from which great hostile forces emerge. Its mention here points to a literal or symbolic origin of the devastating army or influence that follows (Revelation 9:16), reminiscent of ancient threats and pointing to a significant end-time event. The river also appears later in the sixth bowl judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "loose" is λύσον (*lyson*), an imperative verb meaning "release" or "untie." This single word conveys a powerful, authoritative command, indicating that the release of these angels is not an accidental event but a direct act of God's will, initiating the next stage of judgment.

Practical Application

Revelation 9:14 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of humanity's unrepentance. Despite escalating judgments, people often refuse to turn to God (Revelation 9:20-21). This verse encourages believers to understand God's ultimate control over history and to live with a sense of urgency, recognizing the seriousness of sin and the importance of spiritual preparedness. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is just and will ultimately bring all things into account.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 9:15

    And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

  • Genesis 2:14

    And the name of the third river [is] Hiddekel: that [is] it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river [is] Euphrates.

  • Jeremiah 51:63

    And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, [that] thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:

  • 2 Samuel 8:3

    David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

  • Revelation 8:6

    And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

  • Revelation 7:1

    ¶ And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

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