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Book of Revelation - Chapter 16 - Verse 3

16:3
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.

Meaning

Many scholars and theologians interpret this verse from the Book of Revelation as a symbolic depiction of God's judgment and wrath upon the world during the end times. The pouring out of the vial upon the sea and turning it into blood could be seen as a dramatic and horrifying event that signifies the severity of the consequences of sin and disobedience. The imagery of the sea becoming as the blood of a dead man highlights the utter desolation and death that will come upon all living creatures in the sea, emphasizing the magnitude of God's judgment. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and obedience to God's will, as well as a warning of the consequences of straying from his path. It is a powerful portrayal of the consequences of human sin and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who do not turn back to God.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the concept of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. The pouring out of the vial by the second angel represents God's wrath being unleashed upon the sea, which in biblical symbolism often represents chaos and evil forces. The sea turning into blood signifies the severity of the judgment, with the color red symbolizing death and destruction. The reference to the blood of a dead man further emphasizes the idea of death and the finality of the judgment being carried out. The phrase "every living soul died in the sea" speaks to the universal reach of God's judgment, demonstrating that no one can escape the consequences of their actions in the eyes of God.

American Standard Version

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.
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