Revelation 9:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G5259} these {G5130} three {G5140} was {G615} the third part {G5154} of men {G444} killed {G615}, by {G1537} the fire {G4442}, and {G2532} by {G1537} the smoke {G2586}, and {G2532} by {G1537} the brimstone {G2303}, which {G3588} issued {G1607} out of {G1537} their {G846} mouths {G4750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was these three plagues that killed a third of mankind — the fire, smoke and sulfur issuing from the horses’ mouths.

Berean Standard Bible

A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:18 describes a horrifying outcome of the sixth trumpet judgment, where a third of humanity is killed by a supernatural plague. This devastating loss of life is attributed to "fire, smoke, and brimstone" that issues forth from the mouths of the demonic cavalry, highlighting the immense scale and terrifying nature of God's righteous judgment against a rebellious world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 9:18 is situated within the unfolding vision of the [sixth trumpet judgment](/revelation/9-13-21 "Revelation 9:13-21 - The Sixth Trumpet Judgment"). This verse directly follows the description of the immense demonic army—two hundred million horsemen—whose appearance and destructive capabilities are detailed in [Revelation 9:16-17](/revelation/9-16-17 "Revelation 9:16-17 - The Demonic Cavalry and Their Destructive Power"). The "fire, smoke, and brimstone" are explicitly stated to originate from the mouths of these horses, which are depicted with lion-like heads and serpent-like tails, possessing both destructive power in their mouths and tails. The verse serves as the grim climax of this particular plague, revealing the devastating human cost, before the narrative shifts to the persistent unrepentance of humanity in [Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Mankind's Unrepentance Despite Plagues").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation, written by John during his exile on Patmos, is an apocalyptic prophecy addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor, likely facing persecution. The imagery of destructive cavalry and elements like fire, smoke, and brimstone would have resonated with both Roman military power (though here supernaturalized) and Old Testament narratives of divine judgment. The "fire and brimstone" motif, for instance, immediately recalls the destruction of [Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah"), symbolizing God's fierce wrath against sin. The concept of a "third part" being affected 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 of the Earth, Sea, and Rivers")), signifying severe, widespread judgment, yet not total annihilation, leaving a remnant for potential repentance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, emphasizing God's active and righteous response to human sin and rebellion. The severity of the plague underscores the **Consequences of Unrepentance**, as humanity, despite experiencing such horrific devastation, remains stubbornly defiant, as highlighted in [Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Mankind's Persistent Idolatry and Evil Deeds"). The supernatural origin of the destruction points to **Supernatural Warfare and Demonic Agency**, indicating that these are not merely human conflicts but divinely orchestrated events involving spiritual forces. Ultimately, even amidst chaos and destruction, the passage reinforces the **Sovereignty of God**, who remains in control, orchestrating events according to His ultimate plan for history and redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **killed (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** From G615, meaning "to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy." In this context, it signifies a literal and decisive termination of life. The passive voice ("was killed") emphasizes that humanity is the recipient of this destructive force, highlighting the overwhelming power of the judgment.
* **brimstone (Greek, _theîon'_):** From G2303, meaning "sulphur." This word carries strong Old Testament connotations, particularly from the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where God rained "fire and brimstone" (Genesis 19:24). Its inclusion here immediately evokes divine, purifying judgment and destructive wrath.
* **issued (Greek, _ekporeúomai'_):** From G1607, meaning "to depart, be discharged, proceed, project." This verb describes the origin and forceful emission of the destructive elements ("fire, smoke, and brimstone") from the mouths of the demonic horses. It emphasizes the direct and intentional nature of the attack, making the horses the immediate agents of this specific plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By these three was the third part of men killed":** This clause identifies the agents of death ("these three" referring to fire, smoke, and brimstone) and quantifies the scale of the judgment. "The third part of men" indicates a staggering, global catastrophe, where a significant, yet not total, portion of the world's population perishes. This partial judgment serves as a severe warning, leaving a remnant to witness God's power and perhaps repent.
* **"by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone":** This specifies the exact instruments of destruction. These elements are not merely natural disasters but supernaturally empowered agents of divine wrath. The repetition of "by the" (G1537, _hypó_) emphasizes the direct agency of these three distinct, yet coordinated, forces.
* **"which issued out of their mouths":** This final phrase clarifies the source of the destructive elements. "Their mouths" refers to the demonic horses described in the preceding verses, highlighting the terrifying, unnatural, and demonic origin of this plague. It underscores that this is not conventional warfare but a supernatural outpouring of judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "fire, smoke, and brimstone" serving as powerful symbols of divine wrath, judgment, and the destructive consequences of sin, drawing heavily on Old Testament imagery (e.g., the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah). The "third part of men killed" is also symbolic, representing a massive, catastrophic loss of life that is widespread but not utterly annihilating, signifying a severe yet partial judgment. The horses themselves are **symbolic** of demonic power and the instruments of God's judgment. The vivid and terrifying **imagery** used throughout the description of the demonic cavalry and their destructive output aims to evoke a sense of horror and awe at the magnitude of God's power and the severity of His judgment. Furthermore, the passage contains strong **allusion** to Old Testament accounts of divine retribution, reinforcing the continuity of God's character and His consistent response to human rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:18 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the dire consequences of persistent human rebellion. It underscores that God is not merely a loving Father but also a righteous Judge who will, in His appointed time, execute wrath upon sin. The scale of the judgment—a third of humanity—reveals the gravity of human unrepentance and the depth of God's righteous anger. This verse challenges any notion of a passive deity, affirming God's active involvement in the unfolding of history and His sovereign control over even the most terrifying events. It serves as a profound call to take sin seriously and to recognize the urgency of turning to God before such judgments are fully unleashed.

* [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - A Third Perish by Plague and Famine")
* [Revelation 8:7](/revelation/8-7 "Revelation 8:7 - A Third of the Earth Burned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:18, while depicting a future apocalyptic event, carries profound implications for our present lives. It compels us to confront the reality of divine judgment and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin indefinitely. This passage should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, not a paralyzing dread, but a reverent awe that leads to obedience and a desire to live in accordance with His will. The unrepentance of humanity in the face of such overwhelming devastation serves as a sobering warning: suffering alone does not guarantee a change of heart. True repentance is a gift of God, and this verse should stir within us a deep compassion for those who remain spiritually blind and an urgent desire to share the good news of salvation. It reminds us that our hope is not in escaping suffering, but in being found in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of this judgment impact your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **What is your personal response to the concept of divine judgment, and how does it motivate you to live a life of repentance and obedience?**
* **In what ways does this passage deepen your appreciation for the Gospel message and prompt you to share it with others?**

### FAQ
**Is the "third part of men" a literal number, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While some interpreters take the number literally, many scholars view the numbers in Revelation, particularly "one-third," as symbolic. In apocalyptic literature, numbers often convey qualitative rather than strictly quantitative meaning. "One-third" signifies a massive, devastating loss of life that is widespread and catastrophic, yet not total annihilation. It emphasizes the severity of God's judgment, indicating a significant portion of humanity will perish, but also implies that a remnant remains, providing a stark warning and a final opportunity for repentance before the ultimate consummation of judgment.

**What is the significance of "fire, smoke, and brimstone" in this verse?**

Answer: The imagery of "fire, smoke, and brimstone" is deeply rooted in Old Testament narratives of divine judgment. Most notably, it recalls God's destruction of [Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah"), where these elements symbolized God's righteous wrath against profound wickedness. In Revelation 9:18, these elements signify the terrifying and purifying nature of God's judgment against a rebellious world. They are instruments of divine wrath, highlighting the supernatural and inescapable consequences of persistent sin and unrepentance, often associated with the very essence of hell itself (cf. [Revelation 14:10-11](/revelation/14-10-11 "Revelation 14:10-11 - Tormented with Fire and Brimstone")).

**Are these judgments described in Revelation 9 literal events, or are they purely symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Revelation's judgments, including those in [Revelation 9](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets"), varies widely among scholars. Some hold a futurist view, believing these describe literal events that will occur before Christ's second coming. Others see them as symbolic representations of spiritual realities, historical events, or ongoing principles of divine judgment throughout history. Regardless of whether one interprets the details as literal or symbolic, the core theological message remains consistent: God is sovereign, sin has severe consequences, and divine judgment is a reality. The vivid imagery serves to convey the terrifying nature and devastating impact of God's righteous wrath against human rebellion and unrepentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:18 vividly portrays the terrifying reality of God's wrath against a sinful world, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in the judgment itself, but in the provision of salvation from that judgment through Jesus Christ. The "fire, smoke, and brimstone" speak to the righteous anger of God that humanity deserves due to its rebellion. However, the good news of the Gospel is that God, in His infinite love, sent His Son, Jesus, to bear this very wrath on the cross. [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ") declares that "having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Christ became the ultimate substitute, taking upon Himself the judgment due to humanity, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from the consuming fire of God's justice. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His atoning sacrifice is the only means by which humanity can escape the terrifying judgments described in Revelation. Thus, even in the midst of prophecies of destruction, the cross of Christ stands as the ultimate demonstration of God's love and the sole refuge from the wrath to come.

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 9:17

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.

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.