Revelation 9:18
New International Version
A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.

New Living Translation
One-third of all the people on earth were killed by these three plagues—by the fire and smoke and burning sulfur that came from the mouths of the horses.

English Standard Version
By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.

Berean Standard Bible
A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths.

Berean Literal Bible
By these three plagues, a third of mankind was killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone proceeding out of their mouths.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.

New American Standard Bible
A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire, the smoke, and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.

NASB 1995
A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths.

NASB 1977
A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone, which proceeded out of their mouths.

Legacy Standard Bible
A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.

Amplified Bible
A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses.

Christian Standard Bible
A third of the human race was killed by these three plagues—by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came from their mouths.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A third of the human race was killed by these three plagues—by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came from their mouths.

American Standard Version
By these three plagues was the third part of men killed, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone, which proceeded out of their mouths.

Contemporary English Version
One third of all people were killed by the three terrible troubles caused by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur.

English Revised Version
By these three plagues was the third part of men killed, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone, which proceeded out of their mouths.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These three plagues-the fire, smoke, and sulfur which came out of their mouths-killed one-third of humanity.

Good News Translation
A third of the human race was killed by those three plagues: the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur coming out of the horses' mouths.

International Standard Version
By these three plagues—the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came out of their mouths—one-third of humanity was killed.

Majority Standard Bible
A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths.

NET Bible
A third of humanity was killed by these three plagues, that is, by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came out of their mouths.

New Heart English Bible
By these three plagues were one third of humanity killed: from the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur, which proceeded out of their mouths.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
By these three plagues a third part of mankind were destroyed--by the fire and the smoke, and by the sulphur which came from their mouths.

World English Bible
By these three plagues, one third of mankind was killed: by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur, which proceeded out of their mouths.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
by these three plagues the third of mankind was killed, from the fire, and from the smoke, and from the brimstone, that is proceeding out of their mouths,

Berean Literal Bible
By these three plagues, a third of mankind was killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone proceeding out of their mouths.

Young's Literal Translation
by these three were the third of men killed, from the fire, and from the smoke, and from the brimstone, that is proceeding out of their mouth,

Smith's Literal Translation
By these three were the third of men killed, from fire, and from smoke, and from brimstone, coming forth out of their mouths.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And by these three plagues was slain the third part of men, by the fire and by the smoke and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And one third part of men were slain by these three afflictions: by the fire and by the smoke and by the sulphur, which proceeded from their mouths.

New American Bible
By these three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that came out of their mouths a third of the human race was killed.

New Revised Standard Version
By these three plagues a third of humankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And by these three plagues, was the third part of men slain, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And by these three scourges a third of the children of men were killed: by the fire, by the brimstone and by the smoke that proceeded from their mouths,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
By these three plagues was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and the smoke, and the brimstone that issued out of their mouths.

Godbey New Testament
And from these three plagues the third of the men were slain, from the fire, and from the smoke, and from the brimstone, coming out of their mouth.

Haweis New Testament
By these three were slain the third part of mankind, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the sulphur, which proceeded out of their mouths.

Mace New Testament
by these three the third part of men were killed, by the fire, by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Weymouth New Testament
By these three plagues a third part of mankind were destroyed--by the fire and the smoke, and by the sulphur which came from their mouths.

Worrell New Testament
By these three plagues the third part of men was killed, by reason of the fire, and the smoke, and the brimstone, that was issuing out of their mouths.

Worsley New Testament
And by these three things, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which came out of their mouths, the third part of men were killed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sixth Trumpet
17Now the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur. 18A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths. 19For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes, having heads with which to inflict harm.…

Cross References
Exodus 9:23-25
So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. / The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation. / Throughout the land of Egypt, the hail struck down everything in the field, both man and beast; it beat down every plant of the field and stripped every tree.

Ezekiel 38:22
I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.

Isaiah 66:15-16
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. / For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.

Jeremiah 25:31-33
The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.” / Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.

Zechariah 14:12
And this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.

2 Kings 1:10-12
Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. / So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” / Again Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men.

Psalm 11:6
On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.

Isaiah 9:18-19
For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets, which roll upward in billows of smoke. / By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire. No man even spares his brother.

Joel 2:30-31
I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. / The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.

Nahum 1:6
Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Matthew 24:7
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. / They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,

Hebrews 10:27
but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.

Revelation 8:7
Then the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the third.

Revelation 9:15,17
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…

Jump to Previous
Brimstone Burning Death Destroyed Evils Fire Goes Issued Issuing Killed Mankind Mouth Mouths Part Plagues Proceeded Proceeding Smell Smoke Sulfur Sulphur Third Three
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Brimstone Burning Death Destroyed Evils Fire Goes Issued Issuing Killed Mankind Mouth Mouths Part Plagues Proceeded Proceeding Smell Smoke Sulfur Sulphur Third Three
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.














A third of mankind
This phrase indicates a significant portion of the human population, emphasizing the severity of the judgment. The fraction "a third" is symbolic, often used in Revelation to denote a substantial yet not total destruction, suggesting God's mercy even in judgment. Historically, this reflects the partial judgments seen throughout the Bible, where God allows consequences to bring about repentance and reflection.

was killed
The Greek word used here is "ἀποκτείνω" (apokteinō), meaning to kill or put to death. This denotes a physical death, underscoring the seriousness of the judgment. In the context of Revelation, this is not merely a metaphorical death but a literal one, highlighting the tangible consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

by the three plagues
The term "plagues" (πληγῶν, plēgōn) is reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt, which were divine judgments meant to demonstrate God's power and prompt repentance. In Revelation, these plagues serve a similar purpose, acting as a divine warning to humanity to turn back to God.

of fire, smoke, and sulfur
These elements are often associated with divine judgment and hell in biblical literature. Fire symbolizes purification and judgment, smoke represents the presence of God and His wrath, and sulfur (or brimstone) is frequently linked to destruction and divine retribution, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the severity and righteousness of God's judgment.

that proceeded from their mouths
This phrase suggests that the source of the plagues is the demonic forces described earlier in the chapter. The imagery of something proceeding from the mouth indicates the power of words and commands, reflecting the authority given to these forces to execute judgment. In a broader scriptural context, it underscores the power of God's word, which can create, destroy, and judge.

(18) By these three . . .--Better, From these three plagues were the third part of mankind slain, by the tire and the smoke and the brimstone which goeth forth out of their mouths. For the power of the horse is in their mouth, and in their tails, for their tails were like serpents, having heads, and with them they hurt (or, injure). The destructive power in this vision is in mouth and tail, in the last trumpet-vision it was in the tail only (Revelation 9:10). The devastating power is increased; the foes come swift as horsemen, strong as lions, venomous as serpents, breathing forth elements that blind and burn with deadly power. We have, then, forces which are mighty, malicious, and relentless, and which are bidden forth against mankind for their sins of worldliness. (See Revelation 9:20-21.) It is not once only in the history of the world that such powers have been let loose. The desolations wrought by invading hordes-- the force and ferocity of Turkish power establishing itself in Europe and threatening the power of Christendom--the widespread terror and slaughter promoted by the outbreak of the spirit of unrestrained violence in France, followed by reckless war, may illustrate such a vision as the present; but the main teaching of it is the never-failing truth that the spirit of worldliness provokes its own punishment, wherever it may exist, and its retribution is in a form which serves to reveal what latent power of destruction lurks behind every sin, and what hidden spiritual foes there are to intensify human passions and to increase human misery.

Verse 18. - 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; by these three plagues (as in Revised Version)... the brimstone, which proceeded. Although the last clause technically is attached to "brimstone" only, yet the description applies to all three of the things mentioned. "The third part" again a large, but not the largest, part of mankind (see on Revelation 8:7). The locusts were forbidden to kill (ver. 5); these horsemen are permitted to do so. Each judgment of the trumpet visions appears t) increase in severity. We may here see portrayed the terrible and destructive character of the results of sin. Such results are experienced to the full by the third part of men, the large class who" repent not of their murders, nor of their sorceries," etc. (ver. 21).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
A
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

third
τρίτον (triton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5154: Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mankind
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

was killed
ἀπεκτάνθησαν (apektanthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.

by
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the]
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

three
τριῶν (triōn)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

plagues
πληγῶν (plēgōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 4127: A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

fire,
πυρὸς (pyros)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.

smoke,
καπνοῦ (kapnou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2586: Smoke. Of uncertain affinity; smoke.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

brimstone
θείου (theiou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2303: Brimstone, sulfur. Probably neuter of theios; sulphur.

that
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

proceeded
ἐκπορευομένου (ekporeuomenou)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 1607: From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

mouths.
στομάτων (stomatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 9:18 By these three plagues were one third (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 9:17
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