King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:14 Mean?

Revelation 9:14 in the King James Version says “Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 9:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

Read Revelation 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.... 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 9:14 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 · 20 words
λέγουσαν1 of 20

“Saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τῷ2 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἕκτῳ3 of 20

“to the sixth”

G1623

sixth

ἀγγέλους4 of 20

“angel”

G32

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

ὅς5 of 20

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἴχε6 of 20

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τῷ7 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

σάλπιγγα8 of 20

“the trumpet”

G4536

a trumpet

Λῦσον9 of 20

“Loose”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

τῷ10 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

τέσσαρας11 of 20

“the four”

G5064

four

ἀγγέλους12 of 20

“angel”

G32

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

τῷ13 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

δεδεμένους14 of 20

“are bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ15 of 20

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ16 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ποταμῷ17 of 20

“river”

G4215

a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water

τῷ18 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

μεγάλῳ19 of 20

“the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

Εὐφράτῃ20 of 20

“Euphrates”

G2166

euphrates, a river of asia

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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:12Genesis 2:14Revelation 9:152 Samuel 8:3Jeremiah 51:63Revelation 7:1

Places in This Verse

EuphratesRiver · Modern: Euphrates River · 31.00°N, 47.44°E44 verses across 16 books
View all places in Revelation 9 →

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