TRV
Revelation 9:17
Bible Versions
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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Commentary on Revelation 9:17 (KJV)
Revelation 9:17 is a vivid and startling verse from the Apostle John's apocalyptic vision, detailing the appearance of a terrifying cavalry unleashed as part of the sixth trumpet judgment. This imagery underscores the dramatic and destructive nature of God's unfolding judgment during the end times.
Context
This verse follows the sounding of the sixth trumpet, described in Revelation 9:13-16. Here, four angels bound at the great river Euphrates are released, commanding an immense army of two hundred million horsemen. John's description in verse 17 focuses on the appearance of these horses and their riders, emphasizing their destructive power and supernatural origin. This vision is part of a series of severe judgments that fall upon the unrepentant earth, designed to bring humanity to repentance before the final consummation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The colors mentioned for the breastplates—"fire" (red), "jacinth" (hyakinthinos in Greek), and "brimstone" (yellow)—are significant. Jacinth (hyacinth) refers to a dark blue or purplish color, often associated with smoke or ash, or perhaps the dark hue of bruised flesh. This color palette vividly paints a picture of destruction, representing flames, smoke, and the sulfurous stench of divine judgment. "Brimstone" is sulfur, a substance historically associated with God's judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24). The combination of these elements issuing from their mouths emphasizes the lethal nature of their attack.
Practical Application
While the imagery is intense and prophetic, the underlying message for believers today is profound. This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His judgment against sin. It underscores the urgency of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9). The vision calls us to live lives of holiness and to share the Gospel, knowing that terrifying consequences await those who reject God's mercy. It also encourages perseverance for those who are faithful, knowing that God is in control of all events, even the most dreadful.