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Revelation 16:1

ESV Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."
NIV Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth."
NASB Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.'
CSB Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth."
NLT Then I heard a mighty voice from the Temple say to the seven angels, 'Go your ways and pour out on the earth the seven bowls containing God’s wrath.'
KJV And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
NKJV Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”

What does Revelation 16:1 mean?

This verse indicates that a loud voice commands the seven angels to pour out their bowls onto the earth. Likely, the loud voice is God's voice. He alone has the ultimate right to initiate judgment, because He alone is holy, righteous, and just. It is not the prerogative of men or angels to inflict judgment of their own will. Romans 12:19 says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

The bowls contain the wrath of God, and the whole world is the targeted area to receive the judgments. However, as the following verse indicates, the kingdom of the beast is the focal point. As these bowls of wrath are poured out, the results resemble what occurred in Egypt when Pharaoh refused to release the Hebrews from captivity. The beast and his followers will feel the intense pain of God's judgment, but they will remain unrepentant.
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