Revelation 9:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the four {G5064} angels {G32} were loosed {G3089}, which {G3588} were prepared {G2090} for {G1519} an hour {G5610}, and {G2532} a day {G2250}, and {G2532} a month {G3376}, and {G2532} a year {G1763}, for to {G2443} slay {G615} the third part {G5154} of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And they were released. These four angels had been kept ready for this moment, for this day and month and year, to kill a third of mankind;

Berean Standard Bible

So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind.

American Standard Version

And the four angels were loosed, that had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, that they should kill the third part of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:15 details a terrifying escalation of divine judgment, revealing that four previously bound angels are released at a divinely appointed and precisely timed moment—an hour, a day, a month, and a year—with the specific purpose of slaying one-third of humanity. This event marks a significant intensification of the sixth trumpet judgment, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all events and His unwavering justice in the face of persistent human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 9:15 is situated within the dramatic unfolding of the trumpet judgments, specifically as the climax of the sixth trumpet. The preceding verses (Revelation 9:1-12) describe the fifth trumpet, which unleashed demonic locusts from the bottomless pit to torment, but not kill, those without the seal of God. This fifth trumpet judgment was a period of intense suffering designed to prompt repentance. However, the narrative indicates that humanity did not repent (Revelation 9:20-21). The transition to the sixth trumpet (Revelation 9:13-21) signals a shift from torment to widespread death. Immediately prior to verse 15, a voice from the four horns of the golden altar commands the angel sounding the sixth trumpet to "loose the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates" ([Revelation 9:14](/revelation/9-14 "Revelation 9:14 - Command to Loose the Four Angels")). Thus, verse 15 is the direct fulfillment of this command, unleashing a new, more devastating wave of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "great river Euphrates" held significant historical and symbolic meaning for ancient audiences, particularly those familiar with the Old Testament. Geographically, it was the eastern boundary of the Promised Land and historically a route for invading armies (e.g., Assyrians, Babylonians) into Israel. In a prophetic and apocalyptic context, the Euphrates often symbolized the source of threats to God's people or the gateway for destructive forces. The binding of angels at this location suggests a long-standing restraint of powerful, malevolent spiritual entities, now released for a specific divine purpose. The concept of "a third part" being affected by judgment is also not new to Revelation; it echoes Old Testament prophecies where a significant, but not total, portion of a population or creation is subjected to divine wrath (e.g., [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - A Third Part Shall Die by Pestilence and Famine")). This cultural understanding reinforces the severity and precision of God's judgments.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Precise Timing**. The meticulous specification of "an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year" underscores that God's judgments are not random or chaotic but are executed with absolute precision according to His predetermined plan. This echoes themes found in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Severity and Escalation of God's Wrath**. Following the torment of the fifth trumpet, the sixth trumpet brings widespread death, demonstrating God's escalating response to unrepentant sin. The "slaying of the third part of men" signifies a global catastrophe of unprecedented scale, yet it is also a measured judgment, not a complete annihilation, leaving room for further events and a final opportunity for repentance. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Angelic Agency in Divine Judgment**. The "four angels" are not acting independently but are instruments of God's will, bound and loosed at His command, illustrating that even powerful spiritual beings are subject to the sovereign authority of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **loosed (Greek, _lýō'_):** From G3089, meaning "to 'loosen' (literally or figuratively):--break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off." In this context, it signifies the removal of a prior restraint, indicating that these angels were held in check until the precise, divinely appointed moment for their destructive action.
* **prepared (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** From G2090, meaning "to prepare:--prepare, provide, make ready." This word emphasizes the pre-ordination and intentionality behind the angels' release and mission. Their destructive work is not spontaneous but a long-planned, integral component of God's prophetic timeline, highlighting divine foreknowledge and purpose.
* **slay (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** From G615, meaning "to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy:--put to death, kill, slay." This term leaves no ambiguity regarding the outcome of the angels' mission: a direct and decisive taking of life. It underscores the severity and finality of this particular judgment.
* **hour (Greek, _hṓra'_), day (Greek, _hēméra'_), month (Greek, _mḗn'_), year (Greek, _eniautós'_):** These words (G5610, G2250, G3376, G1763 respectively) are used with the preposition "for" (G1519, _eis_, indicating purpose/result) and connected by "and" (G2532, _kaí_). Their collective use emphasizes the extreme precision and exactness of the divine timing. It's not merely "for a time" but for a specific, predetermined duration, down to the hour, reinforcing God's meticulous control over every detail of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the four angels were loosed":** This clause signifies the immediate consequence of the command given in [Revelation 9:14](/revelation/9-14 "Revelation 9:14 - Command to Loose the Four Angels"). It indicates the release of powerful, previously restrained spiritual beings who are now free to execute their divinely appointed task. The passive voice "were loosed" implies an external agent, namely God, who orchestrates their release.
* **"which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year":** This phrase reveals the meticulous precision and pre-ordination of God's judgment. The angels were not merely released spontaneously but had been "prepared" (made ready) for this exact moment. The cumulative temporal phrase—an hour, a day, a month, and a year—underscores the exactness of God's timing, implying that the judgment is set for a specific point in time and/or will last for a precise duration, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all events.
* **"for to slay the third part of men":** This final clause states the terrifying purpose and outcome of the angels' release. Their mission is to cause the death of an enormous portion of the global population—one-third of all humanity. This signifies a catastrophic judgment of unparalleled scale, indicating the severity of God's wrath against unrepentant sin, yet it also implies a measured judgment, as two-thirds of humanity are spared, at least for the moment.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Apocalyptic Imagery** is central, presenting a vivid, symbolic vision of cosmic judgment rather than a literal historical event in the common sense. The "four angels" and their release from the "great river Euphrates" are part of this symbolic language, representing divine agents of wrath unleashed from a traditionally threatening boundary. **Symbolism** is also evident in the "third part of men," which is a recurring motif in Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 8:7-12](/revelation/8-7-12 "Revelation 8:7-12 - Judgments on a Third Part of Creation")), signifying a significant, but not total, destruction, emphasizing the partial yet devastating nature of these judgments before the final consummation. The precise temporal phrase "an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, not necessarily to provide a literal calculation, but to powerfully underscore the **Divine Sovereignty** and meticulous pre-ordination of God's plan. It highlights that no event, no matter how catastrophic, occurs outside of God's precise timing and control, reinforcing His omnipotence and foreknowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:15 profoundly articulates God's active involvement in human history, particularly through judgment. It dismantles any notion of a passive or indifferent deity, instead portraying a God who meticulously orchestrates even the most catastrophic events according to His sovereign will and precise timetable. The release of the angels and the subsequent slaying of a third of humanity serve as a stark reminder that divine patience has limits and that unrepentant rebellion will inevitably incur severe consequences. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to humanity's persistent refusal to repent, even after experiencing lesser judgments. It underscores the biblical truth that God is both loving and righteous, and His righteousness demands that sin be addressed.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God Is a Righteous Judge")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [2 Peter 3:9-10](/2_peter/3-9-10 "2 Peter 3:9-10 - The Lord's Patience and the Day of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:15, while depicting a terrifying future judgment, offers profound insights for contemporary believers and a sobering warning for all humanity. For the follower of Christ, this verse reaffirms God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all time. Even amidst global chaos and devastating events, God remains firmly on His throne, executing His plans with precision. This should instill a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that nothing, not even the release of destructive spiritual forces, is outside of His control. It calls us to live with vigilance, not in fear, but in anticipation of Christ's return, recognizing the urgency of sharing the Gospel. For those who have not yet surrendered to Christ, this verse serves as a stark and compassionate warning: God's judgments are real, meticulously planned, and will culminate in the ultimate reckoning. It is a powerful call to repentance and to seek the salvation freely offered through Jesus Christ before the final and irreversible judgments are poured out. Understanding these prophecies should motivate a life of holiness, prayer, and passionate evangelism, living as ambassadors of reconciliation in a world hurtling towards judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise timing ("an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year") of this judgment impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and control over history?**
* **What is your emotional response to the severity of this judgment ("slay the third part of men"), and how does it challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice?**
* **In what ways should the reality of future divine judgment motivate believers to live differently and to engage in evangelism more urgently?**
* **How can we balance the sobering message of judgment in Revelation with the hope and grace found in the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Who are these four angels, and why were they bound at the Euphrates?**

Answer: The identity of these four angels is a subject of scholarly debate. Some interpret them as literal angelic beings, possibly fallen angels or demonic entities, who were previously restrained by God for a specific purpose. Their binding at the "great river Euphrates" (a significant geographical and symbolic location in biblical history, often associated with invaders from the East) suggests that they are powerful, destructive forces held in check until God's appointed time. Their release signifies a divinely permitted unleashing of evil for the purpose of judgment, highlighting that even malevolent spiritual powers operate under God's ultimate authority.

**What does "slay the third part of men" mean, and why is it a "third part" and not all?**

Answer: "Slay the third part of men" signifies a catastrophic loss of human life, indicating a global event of unprecedented scale. The phrase "the third part" is a recurring motif in Revelation's judgments (e.g., [Revelation 8:7-12](/revelation/8-7-12 "Revelation 8:7-12 - Judgments on a Third Part of Creation")), suggesting a significant but not total destruction. The fact that it's a "third part" and not everyone emphasizes that these are severe, yet measured, judgments. They serve as a warning and a call to repentance, demonstrating God's justice while still extending a measure of His patience before the final, ultimate judgments. It highlights that God's wrath is precise and purposeful, not indiscriminate.

**Why is the timing specified so precisely ("an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year")?**

Answer: The precise specification of "an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year" (G5610, G2250, G3376, G1763) serves to emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous control over all events, even those involving immense destruction. It indicates that this judgment is not random or chaotic but is part of a divinely predetermined plan, executed at an exact, pre-appointed moment. This level of detail underscores God's foreknowledge and His ability to orchestrate history down to the smallest increment of time, reinforcing the reliability of His prophetic word and the certainty of His judgments. It is a powerful statement about the intentionality behind His actions, leaving no room for chance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:15 describes a terrifying judgment executed by angels, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ. The severity of this judgment underscores the gravity of sin and humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, thereby offering a way of escape from such future judgments. He is not only the Savior but also the [appointed Judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed as Judge"), the one to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The precise timing of the angels' release in Revelation 9:15, orchestrated by God, points to the ultimate truth that all history, including judgment, is moving towards the revelation of Christ's glory and His final triumph. Believers are called to find their refuge in Him, for He is the one who [delivers us from the wrath to come](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath"), having already endured the ultimate judgment on our behalf. Thus, Revelation 9:15, though grim, ultimately magnifies the grace and power of Christ, who alone can save humanity from the righteous judgments of God.

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 9:18

By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Revelation 8:7

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Revelation 8:9

And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

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.

Revelation 8:12

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

Revelation 9:10

And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months.

Revelation 9:5

And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.