Revelation 16:10

And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish

Study Bible

And the fifth angel
The "fifth angel" is part of a sequence of seven angels, each tasked with pouring out a bowl of God's wrath upon the earth. The number five in biblical numerology often symbolizes grace, but here it is juxtaposed with judgment, indicating a divine order in the execution of God's justice. The angel acts as a divine messenger, executing God's will, which is a common role for angels throughout Scripture.

poured out his bowl
The act of pouring out the bowl signifies the release of God's judgment. In the Greek, the word for "poured" (ἐξέχεεν, exécheen) conveys a complete and thorough action, indicating that the judgment is both full and final. The imagery of a bowl being poured out is reminiscent of the Old Testament plagues in Egypt, where God's power was demonstrated through similar acts of judgment.

on the throne of the beast
The "throne of the beast" represents the seat of power and authority of the beast, a symbol of evil and opposition to God. In the historical context of Revelation, the beast is often associated with oppressive political systems or leaders that stand against God's kingdom. The targeting of the throne signifies a direct assault on the source of the beast's power, indicating that no earthly power can withstand God's judgment.

and its kingdom was plunged into darkness
Darkness in the Bible often symbolizes judgment, chaos, and the absence of God's presence. The Greek word for "darkness" (σκοτία, skotia) suggests a profound and pervasive absence of light. This darkness is reminiscent of the ninth plague in Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23), where darkness was a tangible sign of God's displeasure and power. The kingdom of the beast being plunged into darkness signifies the collapse of its power and the exposure of its impotence before God.

men gnawed their tongues in agony
The phrase "gnawed their tongues" is a vivid depiction of extreme suffering and distress. The Greek word for "gnawed" (ἐμασῶντο, emasōnto) implies a continuous and desperate action, highlighting the intensity of the torment experienced. This agony is both physical and spiritual, reflecting the consequences of living in rebellion against God. The imagery serves as a stark warning of the ultimate futility and pain of opposing God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Fifth Angel
One of the seven angels tasked with pouring out the bowls of God's wrath. This angel specifically targets the throne of the beast.

2. The Throne of the Beast
Represents the seat of power and authority of the beast, a symbol of opposition to God and His people.

3. The Beast's Kingdom
The realm or dominion under the control of the beast, characterized by rebellion against God.

4. Darkness
A physical and spiritual condition that envelops the beast's kingdom, symbolizing judgment and the absence of God's light.

5. Men Gnawing Their Tongues
A vivid depiction of extreme agony and suffering experienced by those in the beast's kingdom, highlighting the severity of God's judgment.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and affects both spiritual and physical realms. Believers should live with an awareness of God's righteous judgment.

The Consequences of Rebellion
The kingdom of the beast, representing rebellion against God, ultimately leads to suffering and darkness. This serves as a warning against aligning with worldly powers opposed to God.

The Symbolism of Darkness
Darkness in Scripture often symbolizes separation from God. Believers are called to be children of light, living in contrast to the darkness of the world.

Endurance in Tribulation
The suffering depicted in this passage reminds believers of the importance of enduring trials with faith, knowing that God's justice will prevail.

The Urgency of Repentance
The agony experienced by those in the beast's kingdom underscores the urgency of repentance and turning to God before it's too late.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the darkness described in Revelation 16:10 compare to other instances of darkness in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's judgment?

2. In what ways can believers today ensure they are not aligning themselves with the "kingdom of the beast"?

3. How does the imagery of men gnawing their tongues in agony challenge our understanding of the consequences of sin and rebellion?

4. What practical steps can we take to live as "children of light" in a world that often resembles the darkness described in this passage?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Revelation 16:10 inspire us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 10:21-23
The plague of darkness in Egypt serves as a parallel, illustrating God's power to bring judgment through darkness.

Matthew 8:12
Jesus speaks of outer darkness as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, connecting to the agony described in Revelation 16:10.

Isaiah 60:2
Contrasts the darkness covering the earth with the glory of the Lord rising upon His people, emphasizing the separation between God's people and those under judgment.