And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea.
The Second Vial, Rev 16:3
3. Angel ] Should be omitted, reading the second, as we had “the first” before. So in Rev 16:4 ; Rev 16:8 ; Rev 16:10 ; Rev 16:12 ; Rev 16:17.
as the blood of a dead man ] Lit., blood as it were of a dead man. See Exo 7:17 sqq., esp. 21. Compare in this Book ch. Rev 8:8; but here the plague has a wider reach.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea – So the second trumpet Rev 8:8, And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea; and the third part of the sea became blood. For the meaning of this as a symbol, see the notes on that verse.
And it became as the blood of a dead man – Either very bloody, like a mangled corse, or else colored, as it were, with the dark and almost black blood of a dead man (Prof. Stuart, in loco). The latter would seem to be, most probably, the meaning; implying that the ocean would become discolored, and indicating that this was the effect of blood shed in great quantities on its waters. In Rev 8:8 it is, the sea became blood; here the allusion to the blood of a dead man would more naturally suggest the idea of naval conflicts, and of the blood of the slain poured in great quantities into the deep.
And every living soul died in the sea – In Rev 8:9 it is said that the third part of the creatures that were in the sea died, and the third part of the ships were destroyed. Here the destruction is more general; the calamity is more severe and awful. It is as if every living thing – pasa psuche zosa – had died. No emphasis should be put on the word soul here, for the word means merely a creature, a living thing, an animal, Act 2:43; Act 3:23; Rom 13:1; 1Co 15:45. See Robinson, Lexicon sub voce, c. The sense here is, that there would be some dreadful calamity, as if the sea were to be changed into dark blood, and as if every living thing in it were to die.
In inquiring into the proper application of this, it is natural to look for something pertaining to the sea, or the ocean (see the notes on Rev 8:8-9), and we should expect to find the fulfillment in some calamity that would fall on the marine force, or the commerce of the power that is here referred to; that is, according to the interpretation all along adopted, of the papal power; and the proper application, according to this interpretation, would be the complete destruction or annihilation of the naval force that contributed to sustain the papacy. This we should look for in respect to the naval power of France, Spain, and Portugal, for these are the only papal nations that have had a navy. We should expect, in the fulfillment of this, to find a series of naval disasters, reddening the sea with blood, which would tend to weaken the power of the papacy, and which might be regarded as one in the series of events that would ultimately result in its entire overthrow.
Accordingly, in pursuance of the plan adopted in explaining the pouring out of the first vial, it is to be observed that immediately succeeding, and connected with, the events thus referred to, there was a series of naval disasters that swept away the fleets of France, and that completely demolished the most formidable naval power that had ever been prepared by any nation under the papal dominion. This series of disasters is thus noticed by Mr. Elliott (iii. 329, 330): Meanwhile, the great naval war between France and England was in progress; which, from its commencement in February, 1793, lasted for above twenty years, with no intermission but that of the short and delusive peace of Amiens; in which war the maritime power of Great Britain was strengthened by the Almighty Providence that protected her to destroy everywhere the French ships, commerce, and smaller colonies; including those of the fast and long-continued allies of the French, Holland and Spain. In the year 1793, the greater part of the French fleet at Toulon was destroyed by Lord Hood; in June, 1794, followed Lord Howes great victory over the French off Ushant; then the taking of Corsica, and nearly all the smaller Spanish and French West India Islands; then, in 1795, Lord Bridports naval victory, and the capture of the Cape of Good Hope; as also soon after of a French and Dutch fleet, sent to retake it; then, in 1797, the victory over the Spanish fleet off Cape Vincent; and that of Camperdown over the Dutch; then, in succession, Lord Nelsons three mighty victories – of the Nile in 1798, of Copenhagen in 1801, and in 1805 of Trafalgar. Altogether in this naval war, from its beginning in 1793, to its end in 1815, it appears that there were destroyed near 200 ships of the line, between 300 and 400 frigates, and an almost incalculable number of smaller vessels of war and ships of commerce. The whole history of the world does not present such a period of naval war, destruction, and bloodshed. This brief summary may show, if this was referred to, the propriety of the expression, The sea became as the blood of a dead man; and may show also that, on the supposition that it was intended that these events should be referred to, an appropriate symbol has been employed. No language could more strikingly set forth these bloody scenes.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 3. As the blood of a dead man] Either meaning blood in a state of putrescency, or an effusion of blood in naval conflicts; even the sea was tinged with the blood of those who were slain in these wars. This is most probably the meaning of this vial. These engagements were so sanguinary that both the conquerors and the conquered were nearly destroyed; every living soul died in the sea.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This answered the first plague upon Pharaoh, Exo 7:20, All the waters that were in the river were turned to blood; and the fish that was in the river died. By the sea here Dr. More understands the jurisdiction and dominion of the papacy, wherein he agrees with Mr. Mede. I rather agree with those who understand the whole system of the popish religion; their rites and ceremonies, their doctrines of indulgences and purgatory, &c. God showeth his prophet, and instructeth us, that he will bring the papacy to ruin:
1. By bringing his clergy (which are the earth upon which he stands) into scorn and contempt; discovering their frauds and cheats.
2. By discovering the folly and vanity of their pompous and theatrical religion, consisting only in vain shows, and idle rites and ceremonies, without any regard to that religion which is spiritual, and pure, and undefiled before God; discovering the cheats of their confessions and absolutions, their masses, pardons, and indulgences; making them appear to be not only idle, but pernicious and damnable; so as Christians could not live in the communion of their church, but it must be damnable to those who keep in the communion of it.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3. angelSo B and ANDREAS.But A, C, and Vulgate omit it.
uponGreek,“into.”
became as . . .bloodanswering to another Egyptian plague.
of a dead manputrefying.
living soulSo B andANDREAS. But A, C, andSyriac, “soul of life” (compare Gen 1:30;Gen 7:21; Gen 7:22).
in the seaSo B andANDREAS. But A, C, andSyriac read, “(as respects) the things in the sea.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea,…. Not literally; and so does not design the stagnation of it, which it is thought will be before the general conflagration; see Am 7:4 nor is it to be understood of the sea of this world, and the men of it, who are like a troubled sea; but rather of Popish doctrines and councils, which are a sea of errors, and will now be confuted and put an end to. Brightman applies it to the council of Trent, and makes this angel to be Chemnitius, a German divine, who wrote a confutation of it; but as the sea is a collection of many waters, and many waters in this book signify the people and nations under the Romish yoke, sea here may design the whole jurisdiction of Rome, or mystical Babylon; see Jer 51:36 and particularly its maritime powers, Spain and Portugal: and as the second trumpet affected the sea, Re 8:8 and brought the Vandals into Spain and Portugal, so this second vial affects the sea, and brings great wars, slaughter, and bloodshed into these parts, when they also will be reformed from Popery:
and it became as the blood of a dead man; thick, clotted together, and putrid, and so never to be returned to their former state:
and every living soul died in the sea: those, that are not reformed will either die by the sword, or fly into other parts; for there will be no comfortable living for the Popish party in those countries where now they live in power, ease, and affluence. This, and the following vial, are referred by Mr. Daubuz, the one to the first crusades, or holy wars, for the regaining of the holy land, and the other to the latter of them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Into the sea ( ). Like the first Egyptian plague (Ex 7:12-41) though only the Nile affected then.
Blood as of a dead man ( ). At the trumpet (8:11) the water becomes wormwood. Here is added to Ex 7:19, “the picture of a murdered man weltering in his blood” (Swete). “Coagulated blood, fatal to animal life” (Moffatt).
Every living soul ( ). “Every soul of life” (Hebraism, Ge 1:21, marked by life).
Even the things that were in the sea ( ). “The things in the sea,” in apposition with . Complete destruction, not partial as in 8:9.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
It became [] . Or there came.
Blood. Compare Exo 7:19.
As of a dead man. Thick, corrupt, and noisome.
Living soul [ ] . The best texts read yuch zwhv soul of life.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And the second angel poured out his vial,” (kai ho deuteros eksecheen ten phialen autou) “and the second (of the seven angels) poured out (emptied) his vial-like bowl;” as in Rev 8:8-9 judgment is here poured out, in even a more intense manner.
2) “Upon the sea,” (eis ten thalassan) “into the sea; where the burning mountain had formerly been cast and killed one third of sea life creatures, Rev 8:9.
3) “And it became as the blood of a dead man,” (kai egeneto haima hos nekrou)”and it became similar to (the) blood of a dead corpse,” coagulated, or congealed blood, as clotted and polluted blood, with no more liquid, or flowing form. Such was the judgment of God that the second angel poured out on the sea! This plague is final as compared with the former of similar nature, Rev 8:8.
4) “And every living soul died in the sea,” (kai pasa psuche zoes apethanen ta en tethalasse) “and every soul of life (living creature), the things that had lived in the sea, died.” For the sea had become jelled as congealed blood, no longer with life in it, all living creatures in it yet surviving the previous judgment under the angel of the second trumpet died. Rev 8:8-9.
This judgment was after the Divine order of that sent upon the waters of Egypt, in the days of Pharaohs rebellion, Exo 7:20-21; Psa 78:44; Psa 105:29.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
Strauss Comments
SECTION 51
Text Rev. 16:3
3 And the second poured out his bowl into the sea; and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living soul died, even the things that were in the sea.
Initial Questions Rev. 16:3
1.
What resulted from the second bowl Rev. 16:3?
2.
What happens chemically to the blood of a dead man Rev. 16:3?
Rev. 16:3
The second and third bowls (Rev. 16:3-4) share the imagery of the plagues described in Exo. 7:20-21. The content of the second bowl is like the content of the third trumpet (Rev. 8:10-11). The first bowl was poured out onto the earth; the second bowl is poured out into the sea; and it became like (hs as or like) the blood of a dead man, and every soul of life died in the sea.
Discussion Questions
See Rev. 16:17-21.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(3) And the
second angel . . .Better, And the second (angel) poured out his vial on the sea, and it became
blood as of a dead man, and every soul of life died (even) the things that were in the sea. The reference to the first of the Egyptian plagues is clear (Exo. 7:20; comp. Rev. 8:8-9). It has been remarked that the Egyptian plagues stood in a very close connection with the natural state and circumstances of Egypt. The Nile, which was their strength, became worse than useless when its waters were turned to blood. There is a similar feature here. The sea, out of which the wild beast rose, from which the world-power drew strength, is turned to blood, the blood as of a dead man, corrupt and loathsome. The sea represented the tumultuous impulses and passions of the masses; there is a certain healthy force in these, but under certain conditions, when devoted to selfishness and earthliness, they become corrupt and deadly. Ruled by God and by right, the voice of multitudes is melodious as the voice of the sea, and the free movement of peoples, like the ocean, a health-giving moral environment to nations; but swayed by impulse, or directed by worldliness, they become an element of corruption, killing every token of better life.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. Blood of a dead man The magnificent blue and billowy sea became, not like the crimson and fluid blood, still living, but black and coagulated, as being dead. This was fatal not only to the fisherman, the sailor, and the merchant, but to the life of every living thing in its waters. Notes on Rev 18:15-19; Rev 18:24.
Living soul Literally, every soul of life; that is, the animal soul, in which the vitality is inherent. To the power that has used the sea for oppression, the sea must pour back corruption and death.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And the second poured out his bowl into the sea and it became blood as of a dead man, and every living soul died, even the things that were in the sea.’
Compare Exo 7:20-21; Psa 105:29; Isa 50:2 where again the effect on the fish is emphasised. This parallels Rev 8:8 to some extent but while more intense it only refers to sea creatures. Through pollution from undescribed causes man’s sources of food are attacked, and his means of sustenance are smitten. Again we are not told which sea is in mind. It is not intended to be too specific. It can be applied to many catastrophes from the time of John onwards.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Rev 16:3-7. The second angel poured out his vial, &c. This vial is poured out upon the sea, and the sea becomes as the blood of a dead man, or as congealed blood; and, in like manner, under the second trumpet, ch. Rev 8:8 the burning mountain was cast into the sea, &c. The third vial (Rev 16:4.) is poured upon the rivers, &c. and in like manner under the third trumpet, ch. Rev 8:10 the burning star fell upon the rivers, &c. There is a close connection between the two vials; and the effects are similar to the first plague of Egypt, Exo 7:17. Seas and rivers of blood manifestly denote slaughter and devastation; and hereupon, Rev 16:5-6 the angel of the waters celebrates the righteous judgments of God in adapting and proportioning the punishment of the followers of the beast to their crime; for no law is more just and equitable, than that they who have been guilty of shedding the blood of saints and prophets, should be punished in the effusion of their own blood. Another angel out of the altar declares his assent in the most solemn manner, Rev 16:7.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Rev 16:3 . The second vial changes the great sea into blood, as that of a dead man, so that every thing living therein dies.
. According to the analogy of Rev 8:8 ; Rev 8:11 , is to be regarded as the subject to . [3676] The advance of the present plague, in comparison with Rev 8:8 , lies not only in that now the entire sea is changed into blood, and that every thing living therein dies, but also in that the sea becomes “as the blood of a dead man,” i.e., not a great pool of blood, as of many slain, [3677] but the horribleness of the fact is augmented in that the sea seems like the clotted and already putrefying blood of a dead man. [3678]
. The var. correctly give the meaning: . . [3679] The expression originates from Gen 1:30 : . Cf. on the gen. limitation , Winer, p. 177 sq.
The before . . [3680] refers, as to meaning, to the individual comprised in the collective . [3681]
[3676] Beng., etc. Against De Wette: es estand Blut .
[3677] = . C. a Lap., Eichh., De Wette, Hengstenb., etc.
[3678] Beng., Zll., etc.
[3679] Cf. Rev 8:9 : .
[3680] See Critical Notes.
[3681] Cf. Rev 5:13 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
We have here the second Angel’s ministry, and the effect of the second vial poured upon the sea. Perhaps, as the earth might mean the home of the Pope, so the sea might mean the distant parts, where his influence extended. As the sea opens a turnpike for commerce and trade, by the sea, it is probable might be meant, death to the Pope’s interest abroad, as well as at home. For, as those vials poured out, were full of God’s wrath, so wherever they came, they brought destruction to his heresy. And it is possible, that this vial had respect to the death of the Pope’s interest in this kingdom. Death I am sure it must be, to all that do receive the image of the beast in future. And death it is, to all that have received it, in all that is past.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man : and every living soul died in the sea.
Ver. 3. Upon the sea ] The popish council (called a sea, from the concourse thereunto from all parts), that of Trent especially, with their deadly decrees, making the traditions of the Church the rule of faith, &c. And these deadly decrees were written with the blood of heretics.
Died in the sea ] As the fishes of Jordan do as soon as they fall into the Mare mortuum, Sea of Death and as the fishes in the River Nile did, when the waters thereof were turned into blood.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3 .] And the second poured out his vial into the sea: and it ( the sea , cf. ch. Rev 8:8 ; Rev 8:11 ; not, “ there was ,” as De Wette: for the question would arise, where? the analogy of the Egyptian plague is surely decisive) became blood as of a dead man (blood as when a dead corpse lies in its blood: loathsome and corrupting): and every soul of life (living soul, ref. Gen.: in its physical sense of animal soul) died , (all) the things in the sea ( is in apposition with and exegetical of . ).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Rev 16:3 . “Coagulated blood,” fatal to animal life (as in first Egyptian plague). This plague is final, as compared, e.g. , with that of Rev 8:8 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Rev 16:3
3The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.
Rev 16:3-4 The second and third bowls parallel the second and third trumpets (cf. Rev 8:8-11) and also reflect the Exodus plagues of Exo 7:17-21; Psa 78:44.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
angel. Omit.
dead man. App-139.
living soul. Literally soul of life. Compare App-13.
living. App-170.
soul = creature. App-110.
in. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
3.] And the second poured out his vial into the sea: and it (the sea, cf. ch. Rev 8:8; Rev 8:11; not, there was, as De Wette: for the question would arise, where? the analogy of the Egyptian plague is surely decisive) became blood as of a dead man (blood as when a dead corpse lies in its blood: loathsome and corrupting): and every soul of life (living soul, ref. Gen.: in its physical sense of animal soul) died, (all) the things in the sea ( is in apposition with and exegetical of . ).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
angel
(See Scofield “Heb 1:4”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
upon: Rev 8:8, Rev 10:2, Rev 13:1
it became: Rev 11:6, Exo 7:17-21, Psa 78:44, Psa 105:29, Eze 16:38
and every: Rev 8:9, Gen 7:22
Reciprocal: Psa 78:45 – frogs Isa 34:3 – and the mountains Eze 14:19 – and pour 1Co 15:45 – The first
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Rev 16:3. Blood of a dead man. When a man dies his blood dies with him and becomes poisonous. That which would come in contact with it would be killed. The blood of Christ was dead when it was poured out, hence it will kill the sins of the world if brought into contact with them. (See 1Jn 1:7.)
Comments by Foy E. Wallace
Verse 3.
3. The plagues followed the pattern of the experiences of the Israelites in Egypt, as indicated in verses three through four; and Pharaoh Rameses, the oppressor of Israel, parallels Nero Caesar, the imperial persecutor of the church. It again presented the comparison of the old testament and new testament people of God–Israel and the Church.
(2) The sea of dead blood which putrified the society of imperial idolatry: “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”–Rev 16:3.
In accordance with the definitions of the symbols in the first section, the sea represented society in various descriptions- tossed and troubled, or placid and peaceful. Here the sea became as the blood of a dead man–signifying the complete dissolution of the emperor-beast and his subject.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Rev 16:3. The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea. The whole sea, and not merely a part of it as at chap. Rev 8:8-9, is affected by this plague. The increased potency of the plague is also shown in the description given of the blood,not merely blood, but blood as of a dead man, thick, unnatural, offensive to the eye.
Every living soul, too, died, and not merely the third part of the creatures that were in the sea. It can hardly be doubted that we have in this bowl a reference to one of the plagues of Egypt (Exo 7:19). But literal interpretation cannot be thought of.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, That this second and third plague poured out upon the sea, and the rivers of waters, whereby they became blood, have a manifest allusion to that plague of Egypt whereby all the waters were turned onto blood, Exo 7:19.
Observe farther, That by the sea and the rivers full of blood, the bloody persecutors in the antichristian church are supposed to be meant, who by slaughter and bloodshed seek to plant and propagate a bloody religion throughout the earth.
Observe lastly, That the pouring out of these vials gradually and successively upon idolaters and persecutors, and not altogether and all at once, but one after another, teaches us how abounding the patience, forbearance, and long-suffering goodness of God is, even towards the worst of sinners; not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
The second trumpet brought harm to one-third of the sea and this bowl does, too. ( Rev 8:8 ) God’s promise to Noah ( Gen 8:20-22 ) would not allow us to think these plagues actually are upon the literal sea, fresh water or sun. Instead, these figures are used to show mankind, in every facet of his being, is to be punished for wickedness. The sea likely represents the teeming masses of humanity. As it turns to wickedness, it begins to rot and stink like the blood of a dead man and all who join in this wickedness likewise die. ( Eph 2:1-3 )
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
Rev 16:3. And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea, &c. This, says the same pious author, must begin where the other ended, as to the period of time. Now I find that in the year 1566 the wars between the king of Spain and the states of the Netherlands began. The Spaniards, indeed, were often victorious at first, yet they were at length compelled to declare them free states. It was then that the sea became blood to the Romanists, their votaries being miserably defeated in their expectations. For after their cruelties under the duke of Alva, in the Low Countries, and their massacre of the Protestants, in France and other places, the scene was changed very quickly; so that, in the year 1588, the Spaniards lost their vast armada, and ever after declined in their power. And the duke of Guise, the inveterate enemy of the Protestants, was killed the same year; and A.D. 1598 Philip II. of Spain died, being eaten of vermin: the edict of Nantz was also issued the same year in France in favour of the Protestants. So that, as the Reformed interest was in peace everywhere, and conquered in Holland and England, the Popish party, on the other hand, saw Spain, the late terror of the Protestants, brought to a languishing condition, and all their allies weary of wars and persecutions. And as in the year 1609 the truce was made between the Spaniards and the Dutch, so the war, though renewed and carried on afterward, became languid and faint, so as hardly to be regarded by either party, especially the Dutch, who were generally victorious and successful. Hence, as the period of this vial began in 1566, so we may reckon it continued about fifty years, namely, till the year 1617, when the third vial began.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
16:3 {4} And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it {a} became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea.
(4) The history of the second angel, who troubles and molests the seas, that he may stir up the conscience of men sleeping in their wickedness; Rev 8:8 .
(a) It was turned into rotten and filthy blood, such as is in dead bodies.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
3. The second bowl 16:3
This judgment resulted in the destruction of all sea life, not just one-third of it, as in the second trumpet judgment (Rev 8:8-9). This may involve actual coagulated, rotting blood or a liquid that resembles blood (cf. Exo 7:19-25). I think it probably means real blood. Some commentators interpret the sea as the masses of humanity, but there are no clues in the text that this sea is any more symbolic than the waters that Moses turned to blood.
"The sea is a great reservoir of life. It is teeming with life, and the salty water is a cathartic for the filth of the earth. However, in this plague, blood is the token of death; the sea becomes a grave of death instead of a womb of life." [Note: McGee, 5:1023.]