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.

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}.

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;

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.

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

Context of Revelation 9:15

Revelation 9:15 is a pivotal verse within the account of the sixth trumpet judgment, part of a series of escalating divine judgments described in the Book of Revelation. Preceded by a period of torment from demonic locusts (the fifth trumpet, Revelation 9:1-11), this verse marks a dramatic intensification of God's wrath. Specifically, it follows the command given by a voice from the four horns of the golden altar to loose the four angels bound at the great river Euphrates, setting the stage for a massive destructive event affecting humanity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Precise Timing: The phrase "prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year" profoundly emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all events and their exact timing. This is not a random unleashing of chaos but a meticulously pre-ordained judgment, highlighting that every detail, down to the specific moment, is under divine control.
  • Massive Judgment and Destruction: The primary outcome is the slaying of "the third part of men." This signifies an unparalleled global catastrophe, indicating a significant, though not total, loss of life. The recurring mention of a "third part" in Revelation's judgments (e.g., Revelation 8:7-12) underscores the severe but measured nature of these divine visitations before the final consummation.
  • Angelic Agents of Wrath: The "four angels" are instruments of God's judgment. Previously bound, their release signifies a specific divine commission to execute this destructive phase of God's plan, demonstrating that even powerful spiritual beings operate within the confines of God's will and timing.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "were loosed" comes from the Greek verb ἔλυσαν (*elysan*), meaning "they were untied" or "released." This implies a prior state of restraint, reinforcing the idea that these angels were held in check until the precise, divinely appointed moment for their action. The word "prepared" (ἡτοιμασμένοι - *hetoimasmenoi*) further underscores this pre-ordination, suggesting that these angels and their mission were not a spontaneous reaction but a long-planned component of God's prophetic timeline.

Practical Application

Revelation 9:15 serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of God's holiness and justice. It underscores that God is not indifferent to human sin and rebellion, and His judgments are real and meticulously planned. For believers, it offers assurance that God remains in sovereign control, even amidst terrifying global events, and that His prophetic word is reliable. For those who have not yet submitted to Christ, it is a sobering call to repentance and to seek the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, before the culmination of God's final judgments. Understanding these prophecies encourages a life of vigilance, prayer, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 9:18 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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.