Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "vials" is most prominently associated with the Book of Revelation, where it refers to containers used to pour out the wrath of God upon the earth. The imagery of vials is symbolic, representing the divine judgment and the execution of God's righteous decrees during the end times.
Revelation and the Seven VialsThe primary reference to vials in the Bible is found in the Book of Revelation, chapters 15 and 16. Here, the Apostle John describes a vision of seven angels who are given seven golden vials, each filled with the wrath of God. These vials are poured out upon the earth as part of the final series of judgments leading up to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.
Revelation 15:7 states: "Then 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." The term "bowls" in the Berean Standard Bible is synonymous with "vials" in other translations, emphasizing the containment and subsequent outpouring of divine wrath.
The Seven Vials of Wrath1.
First Vial: The first angel pours out his vial upon the earth, resulting in "loathsome and malignant sores" afflicting those who bear the mark of the beast and worship its image (
Revelation 16:2).
2.
Second Vial: The second vial is poured into the sea, turning it into blood like that of a dead man, causing every living thing in the sea to die (
Revelation 16:3).
3.
Third Vial: The third angel pours his vial into the rivers and springs of water, turning them into blood. This judgment is declared just by the angel of the waters, acknowledging God's righteousness in avenging the blood of the saints and prophets (
Revelation 16:4-7).
4.
Fourth Vial: The fourth vial is poured out upon the sun, causing it to scorch people with fire. Despite the intense heat, people blaspheme the name of God and do not repent (
Revelation 16:8-9).
5.
Fifth Vial: The fifth angel pours his vial upon the throne of the beast, plunging his kingdom into darkness. The inhabitants gnaw their tongues in agony but continue to blaspheme God (
Revelation 16:10-11).
6.
Sixth Vial: The sixth vial is poured out upon the great river Euphrates, drying up its waters to prepare the way for the kings from the east. This sets the stage for the gathering of armies at Armageddon (
Revelation 16:12-16).
7.
Seventh Vial: The seventh and final vial is poured into the air, resulting in a loud voice from the temple in heaven declaring, "It is done!" This vial brings about a great earthquake, the splitting of the great city, and the fall of Babylon, accompanied by severe hailstones (
Revelation 16:17-21).
Symbolism and Theological SignificanceThe vials in Revelation symbolize the culmination of God's judgment against a sinful and rebellious world. They represent the final outpouring of divine wrath before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The judgments are both punitive and purifying, serving to vindicate God's holiness and justice while calling humanity to repentance.
The use of vials as a metaphor for divine wrath underscores the controlled and deliberate nature of God's judgments. Each vial is poured out in a specific sequence, highlighting the sovereignty and meticulous plan of God in executing His will.
Historical and Cultural ContextIn the ancient world, vials or bowls were common vessels used for various purposes, including religious rituals and offerings. The imagery of vials in Revelation would have been familiar to the original audience, conveying the idea of a measured and intentional act of divine intervention.
The concept of vials as instruments of God's wrath also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's judgment against sin, as seen in other prophetic writings. The vials serve as a reminder of the ultimate accountability of humanity before a holy and just God.
ATS Bible Dictionary
VialsSeeCENSER.
Library
The Angels with the Sevenvials.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Angels with the SevenVials. "And after
this, I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the...
The Immortal Prayers of the Saints
... THE IMMORTAL PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS ". . . Goldenvials full of odours, which are
the prayers of saints." " Rev.5:8.... Goldenvials full of odours . . ."....
The Third vision "On Earth"
... Before entering upon the judgment of the sevenVials, an Episode is to be given
(as we have already shown) in chaps. xii., xiii., xiv., xv....
Under the Fig-Tree.
... The beloved disciple John, when in the Spirit, saw goldenvials in the hands
of the worshipers of the Lamb around the throne. These...
The Third vision "In Heaven"
... xvi., xvii., xviii. The Seventh Trumpet thus embraces the whole of the seven
Vials, or last seven plagues, which make up the "Third Woe."....
The Revelation of John
... V. The fifth Vision, 15:1-16:21, once more reveals seven angels, now having seven
vials or bowls containing the last plagues or judgments of God....
The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... E^6, chaps. xvi., xvii., xviii. V. Chap. xvi. The SevenVials.... E^6, chap. xvi." The
Sixth Vision "on Earth." The SevenVials. E^6 V xvi. The Great Judgments....
The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
... It is the Vision which introduces us to the most terrible of all the Visions which
affect the earth; for it is followed by the SevenVials, the seven great and...
The Ministry of Intercession
... They bear the goldenvials, And the golden harps of praise Through all the daily
trials, Through all the dusty ways, These hands, so tired, so faithful, With...
The Scope of the Apocalypse Shewn by Its Structure
... 1-8.?? In Heaven.?? (The Seven Vial Angels.) ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
?? ?? ?? ?? E xvi.1-xviii.24.?? On Earth.?? (The SevenVials.) ?? ??...
Thesaurus
Vials (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Vials (5 Occurrences). Revelation 5:8 And when
he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
...Vial (12 Occurrences)
... stopper; as, a vial of medicine. 2. (vt) To put in a vial orvials. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VIAL. vi'-al: In modern English...
Beings (42 Occurrences)
... he had taken the book, the four living beings, and four and twenty elders fell down
before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and goldenvials full of...
Talked (79 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the sevenvials,
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the...
Hither (84 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the sevenvials,
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the...
Messengers (182 Occurrences)
... Revelation 15:7 and one of the four living creatures did give to the seven messengers
seven goldenvials, full of the wrath of God, who is living to the ages...
Beasts (241 Occurrences)
... And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell
down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and goldenvials full of...
Vice (2 Occurrences)
Shew (226 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the sevenvials,
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the...
Nazarene (19 Occurrences)
... In the name "Nazarene," the Jews, who opposed and rejected Christ, poured out all
thevials of their antagonism, and the word became a Jewish heritage of...
Resources
What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the Book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about the End Times (All) | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
