### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Euphrátēs**, represented by `{{G2166}}`, refers to the **Euphrates**, a river of Asia. The term, which is of foreign origin, appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, with both instances occurring in the book of Revelation. It is consistently referred to as a significant geographical and prophetic landmark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2166}}` is mentioned exclusively in the context of divine judgment. It is described as the "**great river Euphrates**" in both of its appearances. First, it is the location where **four** `{{G5064}}` **angels** `{{G32}}` are **bound** `{{G1210}}`, awaiting a command from the **sixth** `{{G1623}}` **angel** `{{G32}}` to be **loosed** `{{G3089}}` [[Revelation 9:14]]. Later, the **sixth** `{{G1623}}` **angel** `{{G32}}` pours out a **vial** `{{G5357}}` upon the river, causing its **water** `{{G5204}}` to be **dried up** `{{G3583}}`. This act is done so that the **way** `{{G3598}}` of the **kings** `{{G935}}` of the east might be **prepared** `{{G2090}}` [[Revelation 16:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of events at the **Euphrates**:
* `{{G4215}}` **potamós** (a current, brook or freshet): **Euphrátēs** is explicitly identified as a "great **river**," highlighting its scale and importance in these prophetic events ([[Revelation 9:14]], [[Revelation 16:12]]).
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This word describes the state of the four angels located at the river, who are **bound** until a specific moment of release [[Revelation 9:14]].
* `{{G3089}}` **lýō** (to loosen): As the direct counterpart to being bound, this is the command given to the sixth angel to **loose** the four angels at the **Euphrates** [[Revelation 9:14]].
* `{{G3583}}` **xēraínō** (to desiccate): This verb describes the supernatural event where the river's water was **dried up** as a result of divine judgment [[Revelation 16:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2166}}` is tied entirely to its role in the prophetic judgments of Revelation.
* **A Site of Divine Restraint and Release:** The **Euphrates** is presented as a boundary where four **angels** `{{G32}}` are **bound** `{{G1210}}`, held in check until a specific command is given to **loose** `{{G3089}}` them. This demonstrates divine control over prophetic timing and spiritual powers [[Revelation 9:14]].
* **A Prophetic Obstacle Removed:** The river's **water** `{{G5204}}` is supernaturally **dried up** `{{G3583}}` as part of a divine judgment. This act serves the specific purpose of preparing the **way** `{{G3598}}` for the **kings** `{{G935}}` of the east, showing its role as a key geographical feature in God's plan [[Revelation 16:12]].
* **A Focal Point for the Sixth Judgment:** Both mentions of the **Euphrates** are directly connected to the actions of the **sixth** `{{G1623}}` **angel** `{{G32}}`. This consistent pairing underscores the river's importance in a specific phase of the final series of judgments ([[Revelation 9:14]], [[Revelation 16:12]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Euphrátēs** `{{G2166}}` is not merely a geographical landmark but a significant stage for prophetic action in the book of Revelation. Though mentioned only twice, it serves as a place of divine restraint, where powerful **angels** `{{G32}}` are **bound** `{{G1210}}` and later **loosed** `{{G3089}}`. It also functions as a strategic barrier that is miraculously removed by having its **water** `{{G5204}}` **dried up** `{{G3583}}` to facilitate the movement of earthly **kings** `{{G935}}`. The name **Euphrates** is thus exclusively associated with specific, monumental events in the unfolding of end-times judgment.
TRV