December 29, 2025
What are the bowls in Revelation?
Revelation 15-17
Dylan Jackson
Big Book Idea
In the end, Jesus wins!
Key Verse | Revelation 15:7-8
And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
Revelation 15-17
Chapter 15
The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues
1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
“Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
1
15:3
Some manuscripts the ages
4
Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent 2 15:5 Or tabernacle of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
Chapter 16
The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath
1 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.”
2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.
4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel in charge of the waters 3 16:5 Greek angel of the waters say,
“Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was,
for you brought these judgments.
6
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
and you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!”
7 And I heard the altar saying,
“Yes, Lord God the Almighty,
true and just are your judgments!”
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed 4 16:9 Greek blasphemed; also verses 11, 21 the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.
10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.
12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
The Seventh Bowl
17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, 5 16:18 Or voices, or sounds peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds 6 16:21 Greek a talent in weight each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.
Chapter 17
The Great Prostitute and the Beast
1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. 7 17:6 Greek the witnesses to Jesus
When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit 8 17:8 Greek the abyss and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
15 And the angel 9 17:15 Greek he said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”
Table of Contents
Introduction to Revelation
Timeline
Author and Date
Jesus Christ is the divine author of this “revelation” (1:1). He describes coming events to his servant John. John, son of Zebedee, was the “beloved disciple” who also wrote the Fourth Gospel and 1, 2 and 3 John. Most scholars believe John recorded these visions while imprisoned on the island of Patmos in the mid-90s A.D. Revelation is addressed specifically to seven first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (now western Turkey), but the message is for all churches everywhere.
Theme
The word “Revelation” translates the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “disclosure” or “unveiling.” Revelation unveils the unseen spiritual war in which the church is engaged: the cosmic conflict between God and his Christ on the one hand, and Satan and his evil allies (both demonic and human) on the other. In this conflict, Jesus the Lamb has already won the decisive victory through his sacrificial death, but his church continues to be assaulted by the dragon, in its death-throes, through persecution (the beast), deceptive heresy (the false prophet), and the allure of material affluence and cultural approval (the prostitute). By revealing the spiritual realities behind the church’s trials and temptations, and by affirming the certainty of Christ’s triumph in the new heaven and earth, the visions of Revelation fortify believers to endure suffering. The reader of Revelation is encouraged to stay pure from the defiling enticements of the present world order.
Key Themes
- Through his sacrificial death, Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, the accuser. Jesus has redeemed people from every nation to become a kingdom of priests, gladly serving in God’s presence (1:5, 18; 5:5–10; 12:1–11).
- Jesus Christ is present among his churches through his Holy Spirit. He knows their trials, triumphs, and failures (1:12–3:22).
- World history, including its disasters, is under the control of Jesus, the victorious Lamb (5:1–8:1).
- God is presently holding back his wrath and preventing his enemies’ efforts to destroy the church. He patiently gathers his redeemed people through their witness for Jesus (6:5–11; 7:1–3; 8:6–12; 9:4–6, 18; 11:3–7; 12:6, 13–17).
- Present disasters are warnings of increasing judgments to come (6:3–17; 8:6–13; 11:13; 16:1–21; 20:11–15).
- Believers will continue their faithful testimony to the death. They will conquer both the dragon and the beast. The martyrs’ victory is now hidden, but it will be obvious when Christ returns (2:10–11, 26–29; 3:11–13; 6:9–11; 7:9–17; 11:7–12, 17–18; 12:10–11; 14:1–5; 15:2–4; 20:4–6).
- Satan attacks the church’s perseverance and purity through persecution, deceptive teaching, and the temptations of wealth and sensual pleasure (2:1–3:22; 13:1–18; 17:1–18:24).
- At the end of the age, the church’s opponents will increase their persecution. Jesus, the triumphant Word of God, will defeat and destroy all his enemies. The old heaven and earth, marked by sin and suffering, will be replaced by the new heaven and earth. The church will be presented as a pure bride to her husband, the Lamb (16:12–16; 19:11–21; 20:7–22:5).
Outline
Revelation contains four series of seven messages or visions. These include letters to churches (chs. 2–3), seals on a scroll (4:1–8:1), trumpets (8:2–11:19), and bowls of wrath (chs. 15–16). There is a general movement from “the things that are” to “the things that are to take place after this.” Yet the visions sometimes return to subjects from the previous sections. The order in which John received the visions does not necessarily indicate the order of the events they symbolize.
The Setting of Revelation
c. A.D. 95
John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.
Fact: Megiddo
Megiddo was the site of many important OT battles. It was a walled city that guarded the main road that linked Egypt and Syria. Its setting made Megiddo a strategic military stronghold. In John’s visions in Revelation, Megiddo represents the global combat zone where the final battle between Christ and Satan will be fought. The word Armageddon means “Mount Megiddo” (Zech. 12:11; Rev. 16:16).
Fact: The OT in Revelation
The OT in Revelation. Roughly one-seventh of the book of Revelation consists of quotations from the OT. It is a reminder of just how important it is to read and understand the OT as foundational for the New.
Fact: Babylon
In the Bible, Babylon symbolizes humanity’s ambition to dethrone God and rule the earth. “Babel,” the Hebrew word for Babylon, first appears in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Chapters 17–18 of Revelation describe Babylon’s final defeat.
Fact: A call for endurance
A call for endurance. The churches were facing many threats, including persecution, false teaching, and idolatry, as is true today around the world. Revelation urges believers to continue (or persevere) in the faith despite difficulties. Christ’s victory is secure, and God will richly reward those who suffer for his sake.
Fact: Symbolism
Symbolism is very important in Revelation. Instead of portraying characters and events directly, the author often uses symbols. For example, Jesus is portrayed as a lamb, churches are portrayed as lamps on lampstands, and Satan is portrayed as a dragon with seven heads and ten horns.
The Setting of Revelation
c. A.D. 95
John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.
The Seven Benedictions
| Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy | 1:3 |
| Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord | 14:13 |
| Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on | 16:15 |
| Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb | 19:9 |
| Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection | 20:6 |
| Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book | 22:7 |
| Blessed are those who wash their robes | 22:14 |
The Seven Bowls of Wrath (16:2–21)
The complete, unrestrained expression of God’s wrath
| Bowl | Area Affected | Reference | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl 1 | earth | 16:2 | sores on the beast’s worshipers |
| Bowl 2 | sea | 16:3 | blood and death |
| Bowl 3 | rivers and springs | 16:4–7 | blood to drink |
| Bowl 4 | sun | 16:8–9 | burning heat |
| Bowl 5 | beast’s throne | 16:10–11 | palpable darkness |
| Bowl 6 | Euphrates River | 16:12–16 | gathering for the battle |
| Bowl 7 | air | 16:17–21 | earthquake shattering the great city |
Rev. 15:1 another sign in heaven. These angels begin the completion of God’s triumph in the destruction of his enemies.
Rev. 15:2–4 The harps of God and the song of the Lamb is music created by God’s redeemed people. They conquered the beast by holding fast to their faith even when threatened with death (12:11). sea of glass. See note on 4:6–8.
Rev. 15:3–4 The song of Moses celebrated Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Ex. 15:1–18). Now the song of the Lamb tells of a greater redemption of a new kingdom of priests (Rev. 5:9–10). A later “song of Moses” praised the Lord whose ways are just (Deut. 32:1–43; especially v. 4). The King of the nations will be feared, glorified, and worshiped by all nations (Ps. 86:9) for his righteous acts of judgment (Ps. 98:2).
Rev. 15:5 the tent of witness in heaven. See note on Heb. 8:1–2.
Rev. 14:1–15:8 The vision sequence leading to the seven last plagues (which will be described as “bowls” of God’s wrath, 16:1–21) opens and closes with scenes of a heavenly choir singing praise to God (14:1–5; 15:2–4). Between these anthems, John sees three angels who announce impending judgment (14:6–13) and three who order and execute harvests (14:15–20). At the center, between the three announcing angels and the three harvesting angels, John sees a seventh figure, “one like a son of man,” gathering his grain from the earth (14:14). Despite the beast’s cruel persecution (ch. 13), these visions (like those in chs. 7 and 10–11) provide reassurance that God and the Lamb rule, and that martyrs are already celebrating victory.
Rev. 15:1–8 Believers celebrate God’s victory (vv. 1–4). Then God completes his judgment of rebellious people (vv. 5–8).
Rev. 15:8 God’s glory was so intense that no one could enter the sanctuary. No one can until the seven plagues . . . were finished (see v. 1).
Fact: A call for endurance
A call for endurance. The churches were facing many threats, including persecution, false teaching, and idolatry, as is true today around the world. Revelation urges believers to continue (or persevere) in the faith despite difficulties. Christ’s victory is secure, and God will richly reward those who suffer for his sake.
Rev. 16:2 When the first bowl is poured out on the earth, it afflicts the earth’s inhabitants, who bear the beast’s mark, with painful sores. This is like the sixth plague on Egypt (compare Ex. 9:8–12; Deut. 28:27, 35).
Rev. 16:4–7 With the third bowl, rivers and springs (sources of drinking water) will be turned to blood. “It is what they deserve,” declares the angel . . . of the waters. The angel refers to those who shed the blood of saints and prophets (see 17:6). altar. See 6:9.
Rev. 16:8–9 Instead of darkening the sun (see 8:12), the fourth bowl will intensify its heat.
Rev. 16:10–11 Darkness was the ninth plague on Egypt (Ex. 10:21–29). The refusal to repent (compare Rev. 9:20–21; 16:9) shows the depth of human sinfulness. It also shows the justice of eternal punishment (20:3–15).
Rev. 16:12–14 The drying up of the great river Euphrates allows Satan’s armies to gather. Unclean spirits emerge as frogs (compare Ex. 8:2–11).
Rev. 16:15 Jesus calls for spiritual vigilance. This echoes his challenge to the satisfied churches of Sardis and Laodicea (ch. 3).
Rev. 16:16 Armageddon means “Mount Megiddo” in Hebrew. In ancient Israel, Megiddo was a plain, not a mountain. It was also the site of some key battles (Judg. 5:19; 2 Kings 23:29). In the symbolic geography of John’s visions it represents the global combat zone (see Rev. 20:9). The final conflict between Christ and Satan will be fought there.
Rev. 15:1–16:21 The seven “last” plagues, envisioned as “bowls full of the wrath of God” are poured out on earth. Some believe these bowls represent future global judgments. They will occur at the end of the great tribulation period and end in the battle of Armageddon (16:14–16).
Rev. 16:1–21 The first four bowls inflict plagues on the earth, sea, rivers and springs, and sun (compare 8:7–12). The destruction poured out from the bowls is total (contrast 9:4–5, 18). The end has come.
Rev. 16:17–21 “It is done!” This declaration affirms that God has completed his plan (10:7). His wrath against evil is finished (15:1, 8). His kingdom is fully come (11:15). A great earthquake will shatter the great city, where Jesus was crucified and his martyrs were murdered (11:7–10). It is Babylon the great, which rules the “kings of the earth” (17:18). Human civilization will end when the Lord comes with lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder (11:19). This is the earthquake predicted in the sixth seal (6:12–17).
The Seven Benedictions
| Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy | 1:3 |
| Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord | 14:13 |
| Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on | 16:15 |
| Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb | 19:9 |
| Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection | 20:6 |
| Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book | 22:7 |
| Blessed are those who wash their robes | 22:14 |
The Seven Bowls of Wrath (16:2–21)
The complete, unrestrained expression of God’s wrath
| Bowl | Area Affected | Reference | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl 1 | earth | 16:2 | sores on the beast’s worshipers |
| Bowl 2 | sea | 16:3 | blood and death |
| Bowl 3 | rivers and springs | 16:4–7 | blood to drink |
| Bowl 4 | sun | 16:8–9 | burning heat |
| Bowl 5 | beast’s throne | 16:10–11 | palpable darkness |
| Bowl 6 | Euphrates River | 16:12–16 | gathering for the battle |
| Bowl 7 | air | 16:17–21 | earthquake shattering the great city |
Rev. 17:2 Sexual immorality and spiritual infidelity are connected (2:20–23; Ezek. 16:15–43).
Rev. 17:3 carried me away in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave John a prophetic vision like Ezekiel experienced (Ezek. 3:12; 11:24). wilderness. A place of spiritual protection (see Rev. 12:6, 14) and physical difficulty. The beast of ch. 13 is now a scarlet beast on which the woman sits. Some understand this to be the Antichrist, who supports Babylon.
Rev. 17:4 Both prostitute and bride are adorned in gold, jewels, pearls, and fine linen (compare 18:16; 19:8; 21:18–21). Babylon’s clothing is expensive purple and scarlet. The bride’s is bright, pure white. The prostitute symbolizes the appeal of a worldly economic system driven by wealth and pleasure (18:11–19). golden cup. Compare Jer. 51:7.
Rev. 17:8 beast . . . was and is not and is to come. It had received a terrible wound yet came back to life (13:12–14). about to rise from the bottomless pit (see 11:7) and go to destruction. The beast’s power to persecute Christians is limited. His future violence will also be limited (see 19:19–21; 20:7–10).
Rev. 17:9–11 The city of Rome rests on seven mountains (or seven hills). In prophetic imagery, mountains symbolize the place of power (Jer. 51:24–25; Dan. 2:35, 44–45). The beast’s seven heads symbolize both mountains and kings. This shows his power over people whose names are not in the book of life. The dragon and beast’s “time is short” (Rev. 12:12), for the beast goes to destruction.
Rev. 17:12–14 The beast’s ten horns, symbolizing ten kings, probably represent all of the earth’s kings. They are deceived and gathered by the dragon and the beast for a final rebellion against the Lamb and an assault on his called and chosen and faithful followers (see 16:14; 19:19–21; 20:7–10).
Rev. 17:1–15 Babylon’s expensive clothing and jewelry symbolize her wealth. Her name, “mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations” (v. 5), represents the desire of godless societies for sensual pleasure. Her becoming drunk on the blood of the saints, and the beast on which she sits, symbolize the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and power.
Rev. 17:16–17 The partnership of prostitute and beast will end. Armies will destroy the economic system it once supported. The beast and its allies strip the prostitute naked. They devour her flesh and burn her up with fire (compare Ezek. 16:39–41). God uses his enemies to carry out his purpose.
Rev. 17:18 The great city is Rome, which had dominion over the kings of the earth.
Fact: Symbolism
Symbolism is very important in Revelation. Instead of portraying characters and events directly, the author often uses symbols. For example, Jesus is portrayed as a lamb, churches are portrayed as lamps on lampstands, and Satan is portrayed as a dragon with seven heads and ten horns.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Revelation 15-17
Let's call it like it is: these chapters are violent and mysterious, and they can leave even the mature Christian confused and discouraged. Friends, let's not fall into that trap. Remember the big idea of Revelation: in the end, Jesus wins!
With that in mind, a sober look at this text reveals the seven bowls are the final and ultimate judgment of the tribulation. Revelation 15:7 says that the seven bowls are full of the wrath of God, and chapter 16 describes how his wrath is poured out and the horrendous consequences that result: painful sores, rivers of blood, plagues of fire, tongues gnawed in anguish, an incredible earthquake that split the "great city" (Babylon? Jerusalem?) into thirds, and 100-pound hailstones crushing humans. The people caught in this pouring out of God's wrath cursed God and did not repent or give God glory (Revelation 16:9, 21).
Christian, you do not live under wrath, but under grace (Romans 6:14). Rest knowing you are forever clothed in Christ's righteousness. God's wrath for your sin was poured out on our Lord and Savior as he hung on that Roman cross. The seven bowls are reserved for the unrepentant and for the enemy whom they serve.
The seven bowls prophecy teaches us two things. The first is that God is perfectly just and holy. Be encouraged that we've been adopted as children of a perfect Creator who cares about right and wrong, and, at the same time, his grace and mercy are far more abundant than we can ever imagine. He is both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). The second is that the period of God's grace and mercy on the unrepentant will come to an end.
Jesus' call on your life is no different in light of this text than it ever has been; take his yoke upon you and learn from him, and there find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Do not give in to the lure of worldliness, but instead look to the "Lord of lords and King of kings" (Revelation 17:14), for knowing him is infinitely more valuable than anything the world promises (Philippians 3:8).
This month's memory verse
"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
– Revelation 21:5
Discussion Questions
1. Christian, do you feel like you experience God's wrath in your life? Why do you think you experience the hardships and brokenness of this world, even on this side of salvation? Are you blaming God for those things, or are you trusting him in spite of those things?
2. How does this text move you to witness to the unbelievers in your life?
3. What lures of the world (comfort, power, fame, wealth, worldly pleasure, etc.) are you prone to submit to? Confess that to our gracious Father, and ask that he help you take hold of what is already true of you: you are holy in your union with Christ!