Revelation 9:17

KJV

And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} thus {G3779} I saw {G1492} the horses {G2462} in {G1722} the vision {G3706}, and {G2532} them that sat {G2521} on {G1909} them {G846}, having {G2192} breastplates {G2382} of fire {G4447}, and {G2532} of jacinth {G5191}, and {G2532} brimstone {G2306}: and {G2532} the heads {G2776} of the horses {G2462} were as {G5613} the heads {G2776} of lions {G3023}; and {G2532} out of {G1537} their {G846} mouths {G4750} issued {G1607} fire {G4442} and {G2532} smoke {G2586} and {G2532} brimstone {G2303}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is how the horses looked in the vision: the riders had breastplates that were fire-red, iris-blue and sulfur-yellow; the horses’ heads were like lions’ heads; and from their mouths issued fire, smoke and sulfur.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur.

American Standard Version

And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates as of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone: and the heads of the horses are as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceedeth fire and smoke and brimstone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:17 offers a chilling and highly symbolic description of the cavalry unleashed during the sixth trumpet judgment, as witnessed by the Apostle John. This verse meticulously details the terrifying appearance of the horses and their riders, emphasizing their destructive power through vivid imagery of fiery breastplates, lion-like heads, and the emission of fire, smoke, and brimstone from their mouths. It serves as a stark portrayal of divine wrath and the overwhelming nature of the judgments poured out upon an unrepentant world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader apocalyptic narrative of the trumpet judgments, specifically following the sounding of the sixth trumpet in [Revelation 9:13](/revelation/9-13 "Revelation 9:13 - The Sixth Trumpet"). Immediately preceding this verse, four angels bound at the great river Euphrates are released, commanding an immense army of two hundred million horsemen ([Revelation 9:14-16](/revelation/9-14-16 "Revelation 9:14-16 - The Release of the Army")). Verse 17 then provides a detailed visual account of these terrifying entities, focusing on their appearance and the instruments of their destruction. The subsequent verses in [Revelation 9:18-19](/revelation/9-18-19 "Revelation 9:18-19 - The Destructive Power of the Cavalry") further elaborate on the means by which this army inflicts death, directly linking their destructive power to the elements described in verse 17. This entire passage underscores the escalating intensity of God's judgments leading up to the final consummation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision, written to early Christian communities facing persecution, draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic imagery and contemporary Roman military symbolism. The concept of a vast, destructive cavalry would have resonated with audiences familiar with the formidable Roman legions. The imagery of fire, smoke, and brimstone directly evokes Old Testament accounts of divine judgment, most notably the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah")) and the theophanies associated with Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Presence on Sinai")). These elements would have immediately conveyed God's righteous wrath and the certainty of His intervention in human affairs. The use of "breastplates" (Greek: *thōrax*) would have been a recognizable piece of military armor, but here it is imbued with supernatural, destructive properties.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme conveyed by [Revelation 9:17](/revelation/9-17 "Revelation 9:17 - The Appearance of the Horsemen") is the **Divine Judgment** of God upon a rebellious and unrepentant world. The terrifying appearance of these horsemen signifies an unstoppable, overwhelming, and devastating force of judgment, highlighting the severity of God's wrath against sin. Another crucial theme is **Symbolic Imagery**, which is characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The "breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone," the "heads of lions" for the horses, and the emission of destructive elements from their mouths are not literal but serve to convey the nature, intensity, and origin of their destructive power. This imagery contributes to the overarching theme of an **Unstoppable Force**, where the sheer number of the army (mentioned in [Revelation 9:16](/revelation/9-16 "Revelation 9:16 - The Number of the Army")) combined with their fearsome appearance indicates an irresistible power designed to inflict widespread destruction and bring about God's purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb signifies not merely a casual glance but a profound act of perceiving or beholding, often implying a deep understanding or knowing. In the context of John's vision, it emphasizes that he was given a direct, divinely revealed insight into these terrifying figures, underscoring the reality and significance of what he was shown.
* **issued (Greek, _ekporeúomai'_):** Derived from "out of" (ek) and "to go" (poreúomai), this verb denotes a forceful emanation or proceeding forth. Here, it vividly describes the destructive elements—fire, smoke, and brimstone—not just being present, but actively erupting from the mouths of the horses, highlighting their inherent capacity for devastation.
* **brimstone (Greek, _theîon'_):** This word refers to sulfur, a substance historically and biblically associated with divine judgment and destruction, particularly in the context of fire and consuming wrath. Its inclusion here, alongside fire and smoke, powerfully conveys the destructive, purifying, and punitive nature of the judgment being enacted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them,"**: John begins by affirming the visionary nature of his experience, emphasizing that he "saw" these entities, not merely imagined them. The focus is immediately on the "horses" and their "riders," indicating a unified, active force. The phrase "in the vision" reinforces that this is a divinely granted revelation, not an earthly observation.
* **"having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone:"**: This clause describes the protective and symbolic armor of the riders. "Fire" (red) suggests destructive heat and wrath. "Jacinth" (a deep blue or purplish color) can symbolize smoke, bruising, or the dark, ominous nature of the judgment. "Brimstone" (yellowish, sulfurous) directly links to the destructive, purifying judgment associated with God's wrath. These colors combine to paint a picture of a force consumed by and inflicting fiery, sulfurous destruction.
* **"and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions;"**: This striking simile attributes ferocity, power, and predatory might to the horses themselves. Lions are symbols of strength and untamed aggression, suggesting that the horses are not merely mounts but active agents of destruction, possessing a terrifying, devouring quality.
* **"and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone."**: This final, climactic detail reveals the primary mode of attack. The "fire, smoke, and brimstone" are not just symbolic colors on breastplates but active, destructive elements emanating directly from the horses' mouths. This imagery underscores their supernatural, demonic origin and their capacity to inflict widespread death and torment, reminiscent of a fiery, suffocating, and poisonous assault.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:17 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Vivid Imagery**, characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The colors of the breastplates—fire (red), jacinth (dark blue/purple), and brimstone (yellow/sulfurous)—are highly symbolic, representing the destructive, consuming, and punitive nature of the judgment. The comparison of the horses' heads to **lions** is a powerful **Simile**, immediately conveying ferocity, strength, and a predatory nature, transforming the horses from mere beasts of burden into active agents of terror. The emission of "fire, smoke, and brimstone" from their mouths is a potent **Metaphor** for the instruments of divine wrath, directly linking this judgment to Old Testament accounts of God's fiery judgment, such as that on Sodom and Gomorrah. The entire description employs **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming and terrifying nature of this supernatural army, pushing beyond literal description to evoke a profound sense of dread and the unstoppable force of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:17 powerfully articulates the theme of divine judgment, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His ultimate right to execute justice upon a rebellious world. The terrifying imagery underscores the severity of sin and the inevitable consequences for those who refuse to repent. This vision serves as a stark reminder that God is not only a God of love and mercy but also a God of righteous wrath, whose patience will eventually give way to judgment. It highlights that even the most dreadful events are part of His sovereign plan, designed to bring about His perfect will, whether through purification or punishment. The passage ultimately calls humanity to acknowledge God's authority and seek reconciliation before the full outpouring of His wrath.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")
* [2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "2 Peter 3:7 - The Day of Judgment and Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intense imagery of Revelation 9:17, while describing future apocalyptic events, carries profound implications for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. In a world often dismissive of divine judgment, this verse reaffirms that God will indeed hold humanity accountable. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, this passage should not evoke fear but rather a deeper appreciation for the salvation offered through His sacrifice, which delivers us from the wrath to come. It also instills a sense of urgency for evangelism, compelling us to share the Gospel message of repentance and redemption with a world desperately in need of God's mercy. Furthermore, it encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God remains sovereign even amidst the most terrifying displays of His power, and that His ultimate plan will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of fire, smoke, and brimstone from the horses' mouths impact your understanding of divine judgment?**
* **What is your personal response to the concept of God's wrath as depicted in this verse?**
* **How does the certainty of future judgment motivate you to live a life of holiness and share your faith?**
* **In what ways does this verse reinforce God's sovereignty and control over all events, even destructive ones?**

### FAQ

**Are the horses and riders in Revelation 9:17 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The description of the horses and riders in [Revelation 9:17](/revelation/9-17 "Revelation 9:17 - The Appearance of the Horsemen") is overwhelmingly symbolic, typical of apocalyptic literature like the Book of Revelation. While the "two hundred million" army mentioned in [Revelation 9:16](/revelation/9-16 "Revelation 9:16 - The Size of the Army") might suggest a literal force, the specific details—horses with lion heads, breastplates of fire, jacinth, and brimstone, and fire, smoke, and brimstone issuing from their mouths—transcend any known literal military or biological reality. These vivid images are intended to convey the terrifying nature, immense destructive power, and supernatural origin of this judgment. They symbolize a divinely permitted, overwhelming force of judgment that will inflict widespread death and torment upon unrepentant humanity, rather than describing literal creatures or a conventional army. The symbolism emphasizes the quality and character of the judgment, not a photographic representation of it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:17 vividly portrays God's judgment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in understanding Jesus' role as both the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world and the righteous Judge who will execute all judgment. The destructive elements seen here—fire, smoke, and brimstone—are the very expressions of God's wrath against sin, a wrath that was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering")). For those who believe, Christ’s sacrifice means deliverance from this wrath ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). However, for those who reject Him, Christ Himself, who holds "the keys of hell and of death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Authority Over Death")), will be the one through whom these judgments are administered. The terrifying power of these horses foreshadows the ultimate, undeniable authority of Christ, who will return not only as Savior but also as the conquering King and Judge, with "eyes like a flame of fire" ([Revelation 19:11-12](/revelation/19-11-12 "Revelation 19:11-12 - Christ as Righteous Judge")), to bring all things to their just conclusion. Thus, this verse, though grim, implicitly points to the necessity of Christ's atoning work and His final, sovereign rule.

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.

1 Chronicles 12:8

And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, [and] men of war [fit] for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces [were like] the faces of lions, and [were] as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

Revelation 14:10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 19:20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Isaiah 30:33

For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.