Devine Scripture

Revelation 8:6

What does Revelation 8:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 8:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 8:6 means

The seven angels who hold the seven trumpets now prepare to sound. The brief statement carries weight: heaven’s action is orderly, obedient, and imminent. There is a pause between decree and discharge, underscoring solemnity. Preparation indicates that what follows is not a chaotic cascade, but a governed sequence of blows, each with its measure and limit. The reader is invited to brace for impact; the heavenly heralds are at their posts. Nothing will occur by accident. The judgments will unfold according to God’s timing and plan, and the world must reckon with the reality that history moves at the command of the throne.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the seven angels that had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the seven angels that had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the seven angels who had the seven horns made ready for sounding them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the seven messengers who are having the seven trumpets did prepare themselves that they may sound;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound the trumpet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves that they might sound with [their] trumpets.

Context

After the altar-fire sign of verse 5, the narrative pivots to implementation. Verses 7–12 contain four trumpets that strike the created order in an outward and upward sweep: land, sea, fresh waters, and heavenly lights. These are distinct from the last three trumpets, which will later be named “woes.” Recognizing this structure helps the reader track the pattern of partial judgments—often “a third”—and anticipate an escalation in intensity after the fourth trumpet’s cosmic dimming.

v.5And the angel taketh the censer; and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and cast it upon the earth: and there followed thunders, and voices, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

v.6This passage

v.7And the first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 8:2

    And I saw the seven angels that stand before God; and there were given unto them seven trumpets.

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