King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:13 Mean?

Revelation 9:13 in the King James Version says “And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,”

Revelation 9:13 · KJV

Context

11

And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. Apollyon: that is to say, A destroyer

12

One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter .

13

And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

14

Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

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. for an hour: or, at an hour

Read Revelation 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,... This verse from Revelation's vision of fifth and sixth trumpets - demonic torment and massive army, unrepentant humanity employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 9:13 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ2 of 21

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἕκτος3 of 21

“the sixth”

G1623

sixth

ἄγγελος4 of 21

“angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἐσάλπισεν·5 of 21

“sounded”

G4537

to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤκουσα7 of 21

“I heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

φωνὴν8 of 21

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μίαν9 of 21
G1520

one

ἐκ10 of 21

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ11 of 21

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τεσσάρων12 of 21

“the four”

G5064

four

κεράτων13 of 21

“horns”

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ14 of 21

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυσιαστηρίου15 of 21

“altar”

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

τοῦ16 of 21

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χρυσοῦ17 of 21

“of the golden”

G5552

made of gold

τοῦ18 of 21

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐνώπιον19 of 21

“is before”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ20 of 21

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ21 of 21

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 9:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 8:3-5Exodus 30:2-3Revelation 9:1Hebrews 9:24Hebrews 10:21

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