The Meaning of Revelation 9:13 Explained

Revelation 9:13

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

YLT: And the sixth messenger did sound, and I heard a voice out of the four horns of the altar of gold that is before God,

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

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does Revelation 9:13 Mean?

Study Notes

angel
.
angels
Angel, Summary: Angel, "messenger," is used of God, of men, and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom. 2 Samuel 14:20 ; Psalms 103:20 ; Psalms 104:4 . In the O.T. the expression "the angel of the Lord" (sometimes "of God") usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form.; Genesis 16:1-13 ; Genesis 21:17-19 ; Genesis 22:11-16 ; Genesis 31:11-13 ; Exodus 3:2-4 ; Judges 2:1 ; Judges 6:12-16 ; Judges 13:3-22 (See Scofield " Malachi 3:1 ") . The word "angel" is used of men in; Luke 7:24 ; James 2:25 ; Revelation 1:20 ; Revelation 2:1 ; Revelation 2:8 ; Revelation 2:12 ; Revelation 2:18 ; Revelation 3:1 ; Revelation 3:7 ; Revelation 3:14 In Revelation 8:3-5 . Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man.; Matthew 18:10 ; Acts 12:15 . Though angels are spirits; Psalms 104:4 ; Hebrews 1:14 power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form. Genesis 19:1 cf; Genesis 19:5 ; Exodus 3:2 ; Numbers 22:22-31 ; Judges 2:1 ; Judges 6:11 ; Judges 6:22 ; Judges 13:3 ; Judges 13:6 ; 1 Chronicles 21:16 ; 1 Chronicles 21:20 ; Matthew 1:20 ; Luke 1:26 ; John 20:12 ; Acts 7:30 ; Acts 12:7 ; Acts 12:8 etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels.; Matthew 22:30 ; Mark 12:25 . They are exceedingly numerous.; Matthew 26:53 ; Hebrews 12:22 ; Revelation 5:11 ; Psalms 68:17 . The power is inconceivable. 2 Kings 19:35 . Their place is about the throne of God.; Revelation 5:11 ; Revelation 7:11 . Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers.; 1 Kings 19:5 ; Psalms 34:7 ; Psalms 91:11 ; Daniel 6:22 ; Matthew 2:13 ; Matthew 2:19 ; Matthew 4:11 ; Luke 22:43 ; Acts 5:19 ; Acts 12:7-10 . From; Hebrews 1:14 ; Matthew 18:10 ; Psalms 91:11 it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us; 1 Corinthians 4:9 ; Ephesians 3:10 ; Ecclesiastes 5:6 a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints. Luke 16:22 . Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little "time" this lower place.; Psalms 8:4 ; Psalms 8:5 ; Hebrews 2:6 ; Hebrews 2:9 that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels. Hebrews 2:9 ; Hebrews 2:10 . The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent. Matthew 25:31 . To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations. Matthew 13:30 ; Matthew 13:39 ; Matthew 13:41 ; Matthew 13:42 . See Scofield " Matthew 25:32 ". The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:5 An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections.; Daniel 10:13 ; Daniel 10:21 ; Daniel 12:1 ; Daniel 12:2 ; Judges 1:9 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 . The only other angel whose name is revealed Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services.; Daniel 8:16 ; Daniel 9:21 ; Luke 1:19 ; Luke 1:26 .
Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned:
(1) "The angels which kept not their first estate place, but left their own habitation," are "chained under darkness," awaiting judgment. 2 Peter 2:4 ; Judges 1:6 ; 1 Corinthians 6:3 ; John 5:22 .
(See Scofield " Genesis 6:4 ")
(2) The angels who have Satan Genesis 3:1 as leader.
(See Scofield " Revelation 20:10 ") .
The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons.
(See Scofield " Matthew 7:22 ") . For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared. Matthew 25:41 ; Revelation 20:10 .

Verse Meaning

Someone near the four horns (symbolic of power) of the golden altar in heaven, probably the angel identified with it in Revelation 8:3, gave a command after the sixth angel blew the sixth trumpet (cf. Revelation 8:2; Revelation 8:6). Instead of seeing something (cf. Revelation 9:1), John now heard something.

Context Summary

Revelation 9:12-21 - Impenitent In Spite Of All
The river Euphrates possibly stands for nations and hordes of men emanating from that region; and these verses are held by a large number of expositors to foretell the invasion of Europe by the Turks, who have desolated and held the sacred places of the Jewish faith. The Church of that time was eaten through with idolatry. Image worship had become almost universal, and the invariable consequence of this relapse from the noble spiritual ideals of the Jewish and Christian dispensations was materialism, sensuality, and the greed of the priest. On the other hand, the Turks were fierce iconoclasts, and their progress everywhere was marked by the demolition of Christian emblems.
Demons contrive to get themselves worshiped under the effigies of idolatry; and murders, sorceries, fornication, and theft infest their temples. There is perpetual controversy between the spirit of truth and these perversities; and this conflict must continue, not only in the Church, but in the heart, until everything that opposes the reign of the Spirit is overthrown, and every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5. Is this supremacy of the Spirit secured for thee, my reader? [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 9

1  At the sounding of the fifth angel, a star falls from heaven, to whom is given the key to the bottomless pit
2  He opens the pit, and there come forth locusts like scorpions
12  The first woe past
13  The sixth trumpet sounds
14  Four angels who were bound are let loose

Greek Commentary for Revelation 9:13

A voice [πωνην μιαν]
For μιαν — mian as indefinite article see Revelation 8:13. Accusative case here after ηκουσα — ēkousa though genitive in Revelation 8:13, a distinction between sound and sense sometimes exists (Acts 9:7; Acts 22:9), but not here as the words are clearly heard in both instances. [source]
From [εκ]
“Out of the horns.” Note triple use of the genitive article here as of the accusative article with this identical phrase in Revelation 8:3 (“the altar the golden the one before the throne”). [source]
A voice [φωνὴν μίαν]
Lit., one voice. [source]
Altar []
See on Revelation 8:3. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 9:13

Revelation 8:3 At the altar [ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον]
The best texts read θυσιαστηρίου , which justifies the Rev., “over the altar.” For altar, see on Revelation 6:9. Interpreters differ as to whether the altar meant is the brazen altar, as in Revelation 6:9, or the altar of incense, as in Revelation 9:13. There seems to be no reason for changing the reference from the brazen altar (see on Revelation 6:9), especially as both altars are mentioned in this verse. The officiating priest in the tabernacle or temple took the fire for his censer from the brazen altar, and then offered the incense upon the golden altar. [source]
Revelation 10:1 Another strong angel [αλλον αγγελον ισχυρον]
But the seventh trumpet does not sound till Revelation 11:15. This angel is not one of the seven or of the four, but like the other strong angel in Revelation 5:2; Revelation 18:21 or the other angel in Revelation 14:6, Revelation 14:15. The sixth trumpet of Revelation 9:13 ends in Revelation 9:21. The opening of the seventh seal was preceded by two visions (chapter Rev 7) and so here the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15) is preceded by a new series of visions (10:1-11:14). [source]
Revelation 14:18 Out from the altar [εκ του τυσιαστηριου]
From the altar of incense where he is in charge of the fire If it is the altar of burnt offering (Revelation 6:9; Revelation 11:1), we are reminded of the blood of the martyrs (Swete), but if the altar of incense (Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:5; Revelation 9:13; Revelation 16:7), then of the prayers of the saints.The sharp sickle (το δρεπανον το οχυ — to drepanon to oxu). Useful for vintage as for harvesting. So “send forth” (πεμπσον — pempson) as in Revelation 14:15.Gather First aorist active imperative of τρυγαω — trugaō old verb (from τρυγη — trugē dryness, ripeness), in N.T. only Revelation 14:18. and Luke 6:44.The clusters (τους βοτρυας — tous botruas). Old word βοτρυς — botrus here only in N.T. (Genesis 40:10).Her grapes Old word again for grapes, bunch of grapes, in N.T. only here, Matthew 7:16; Luke 6:44.Are fully ripe (ηκμασαν — ēkmasan). Old and common verb (from ακμη — akmē Matthew 15:16), to come to maturity, to reach its acme, here only in N.T. [source]
Revelation 21:15 To measure [ινα μετρησηι]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of μετρεω — metreō The rod of gold was in keeping with the dignity of the service of God (Revelation 1:12; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3; Revelation 9:13; Revelation 15:7). [source]
Revelation 6:9 Under the altar [υποκατω του τυσιαστηριου]
“Under” The altar of sacrifice (Exodus 39:39; Exodus 40:29), not of incense. The imagery, as in Hebrews, is from the tabernacle. For the word see Matthew 5:23., often in Rev (Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:5; Revelation 9:13; Revelation 11:1; Revelation 14:18; Revelation 16:7). This altar in heaven is symbolic, of course, the antitype for the tabernacle altar (Hebrews 8:5). The Lamb was slain (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12) and these martyrs have followed the example of their Lord. [source]
Revelation 8:3 Stood [εστατη]
Ingressive first aorist passive of ιστημι — histēmi (intransitive), “took his place.”Over the altar (επι του τυσιαστηριου — epi tou thusiastēriou). See Revelation 6:9 for the word for the burnt-offering, here apparently the altar of incense (clearly so in Luke 1:11; possibly also Revelation 9:13), but it is not clear that in apocalyptic the distinction between the two altars of the tabernacle and temple is preserved. Aleph C Q have the genitive, while A P have the accusative επι το τυσιαστηριον — epi to thusiastērion golden censer (λιβανωτον χρυσουν — libanōton chrusoun). Old word for frankincense (from λιβανος — libanos Matthew 2:11; Revelation 18:13), but here alone in N.T. and for censer, as is plain by the use of χρυσουν — chrusoun (golden) with it. Cf. 1 Kings 7:50.Much incense See Revelation 5:8 for τυμιαμα — thumiama (the aromatic substance burnt, also in Revelation 18:13), but here for the live coals on which the incense falls.That he should add (ινα δωσει — hina dōsei). Sub-final clause (subject of εδοτη — edothē was given, singular because τυμιαματα — thumiamata neuter plural) with ινα — hina and the future active indicative of διδωμι — didōmi to give, instead of δωι — dōi the second aorist subjunctive.Unto the prayers Dative case. In Revelation 5:8 the τυμιαματα — thumiamata are the prayers.Upon the golden altar (επι το τυσιαστηριον το χρυσουν το — epi to thusiastērion to chrusoun to). Accusative case here, not genitive as above, and apparently the altar of incense as indicated by the word golden (Exodus 30:1.; Leviticus 4:17). Note triple article here το — to (once before the substantive, once before the adjective, once before the adjunct “the one before the throne”). [source]
Revelation 8:3 Over the altar [επι του τυσιαστηριου]
See Revelation 6:9 for the word for the burnt-offering, here apparently the altar of incense (clearly so in Luke 1:11; possibly also Revelation 9:13), but it is not clear that in apocalyptic the distinction between the two altars of the tabernacle and temple is preserved. Aleph C Q have the genitive, while A P have the accusative επι το τυσιαστηριον — epi to thusiastērion golden censer Old word for frankincense (from λιβανος — libanos Matthew 2:11; Revelation 18:13), but here alone in N.T. and for censer, as is plain by the use of χρυσουν — chrusoun (golden) with it. Cf. 1 Kings 7:50. [source]
Revelation 8:7 Sounded [εσαλπισεν]
First aorist active indicative of σαλπιζω — salpizō repeated with each angel in turn (Revelation 8:8, Revelation 8:10, Revelation 8:12; Revelation 9:1, Revelation 9:13; Revelation 11:15). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 9:13 mean?

And the sixth angel sounded [his] trumpet I heard voice one from the four horns of the altar - golden before - God
Καὶ ἕκτος ἄγγελος ἐσάλπισεν ἤκουσα φωνὴν μίαν ἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων κεράτων τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ χρυσοῦ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

ἕκτος  sixth 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἕκτος  
Sense: the sixth.
ἄγγελος  angel 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄγγελος  
Sense: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God.
ἐσάλπισεν  sounded  [his]  trumpet 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: σαλπίζω  
Sense: to sound a trumpet.
ἤκουσα  I  heard 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.
φωνὴν  voice 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: φωνή  
Sense: a sound, a tone.
μίαν  one 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
τεσσάρων  four 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: τέσσαρες  
Sense: four.
κεράτων  horns 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: κέρας  
Sense: a horn.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
θυσιαστηρίου  altar 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: θυσιαστήριον  
Sense: the altar for slaying and burning of victims used of.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
χρυσοῦ  golden 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: χρύσεος 
Sense: golden.
ἐνώπιον  before 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐνώπιον  
Sense: in the presence of, before.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.

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