Definition: And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that passage from Revelation 16:10. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic verse, so we need to understand it in context. Here's a simple explanation: What it means literally: The verse says, “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast.” It sounds like something spilled or was released. What it really means – it’s about a time of great distress and impending darkness: This passage describes a period when God is sending a powerful message of warning and judgment. Here's what it signifies: The "Beast" in Revelation 19: The "beast" in Revelation 19 represents the system of government or power that will be ruling over the world after Christ’s return (the final battle). It's a symbol of evil and oppression. The "Vial" – A Powerful Release: The "vial" is a key part of this interpretation. It's not just any spilled liquid; it represents a release of God’s judgment, a forceful and overwhelming force of darkness. Think of it like a massive, concentrated burst of something powerful. “Their Tongues for Pain” – A Symbolic Expression: The angel is saying that these individuals (the beast and its followers) are experiencing intense pain and anguish because they are allowed to be consumed by this darkness. This isn’t about physical pain; it's a figurative expression of spiritual suffering caused by the presence of evil. Overall Interpretation – A Time of Darkness & Warning: This verse paints a picture of a time when: Evil is growing: The darkness is increasing, and the forces of wickedness are becoming more powerful. Judgment is coming: God’s judgment is imminent, and this is a significant moment of warning to humanity. People are suffering: The people (the beast and its followers) are experiencing profound pain and distress due to this darkness. Important Note: It's crucial to remember that Revelation 16:10 is not about literal spilling of something. It’s a symbolic representation of God’s judgment and the resulting suffering caused by evil. It's a message of hope, too – because God ultimately triumphs over evil! --- To help me explain it even better for you, could you tell me: What is your current understanding of Revelation? (Do you know much about what it’s about?) Are you interested in a specific aspect of the verse, like its symbolism or connection to other parts of the book?