Revelation – Chapter 16

New Testament21 Verses

1And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels: Go and pour out the seven vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

2And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth. And there fell a sore and grievous wound upon men who had the character of the beast: and upon them that adored the image thereof.

3And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea. And there came blood as it were of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

4And the third poured out his vial upon the rivers and the fountains of waters. And there was made blood.

5And I heard the angel of the waters saying: Thou art just, O Lord, who art and who wast, the Holy One, because thou hast judged these things.

6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets: and thou hast given them blood to drink. For they are worthy.

7And I heard another, from the altar, saying: Yea, O Lord God Almighty, true and just are thy judgments.

8And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun. And it was given unto him to afflict men with heat and fire.

9And men were scorched with great heat: and they blasphemed the name of God, who hath power over these plagues. Neither did they penance to give him glory.

10And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast. And his kingdom became dark: and they gnawed their tongues for pain.

11And they blasphemed the God of heaven, because of their pains and wounds: and did not penance for their works.

12And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon that great river Euphrates and dried up the water thereof, that a way might be prepared for the kings from the rising of the sun.

13And I saw from the mouth of the dragon and from the mouth of the beast and from the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.

14For they are the spirits of devils, working signs: and they go forth unto the kings of the whole earth, to gather them to battle against the great day of the Almighty God.

15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

16And he shall gather them together into a place which in Hebrew is called Armagedon.

17And the seventh angel poured out his vial upon the air. And there came a great voice out of the temple from the throne, saying: It is done.

18And there were lightnings and voices and thunders: and there was a great earthquake, such an one as never had been since men were upon the earth, such an earthquake, so great.

19And the great city was divided into three parts: and the cities of the Gentiles fell. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the indignation of his wrath.

20And every island fled away: and the mountains were not found.

21And great hail, like a talent, came down from heaven upon men: and men blasphemed God, for the plague of the hail: because it was exceeding great.

Reflection for Today

In Revelation Chapter 16, we encounter the continuing revelation of Christ's victory and the new creation. The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has always treasured these sacred texts. Revelation reveals the Church's ultimate destiny (CIC 1042-1050). The central message—Behold, I am making all things new—speaks to believers in every age.

The Magisterium teaches that Scripture must be interpreted in light of the whole of revelation and the Church's living Tradition. The Catechism emphasizes that "the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone" (CIC 85). This does not limit our engagement with Scripture but ensures its proper understanding.

As you reflect on this chapter, consider how its message applies to your life today. The Word of God is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and renewing minds. Through prayer and meditation, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through these ancient yet ever-new words.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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