Definition: By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Revelation 9:18. It's a pretty intense verse, so we’ll go through it step-by-step: What it says: “By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.” Let’s unpack each part: “By these three…” : This refers to three specific things that happened. “…was the third part of men killed…” : This is the core of the verse. It means a significant number of people were lost or killed. It's not just a few, but a large and disturbing amount. “…by the fire…” : This suggests something burning – possibly a trial, an accusation, or even a conflict. “…and by the smoke…” : The fire is creating a visible cloud, like smoke, which is a sign of something happening. It's often interpreted as a symbolic representation of judgment and divine punishment. “…and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.” : This is where it gets really powerful. “Brimstone” is a biblical term for sulfur – a smoky, volcanic substance. The "mouths" here refer to the words spoken by the people involved in this event. The fact that it’s issued out suggests these words were filled with wickedness and rebellion. What does it mean in a general sense? Historically, this verse has been interpreted as a foreshadowing of a time when humanity was particularly prone to sin and rebellion against God. It speaks about a period where the world was plagued by evil and conflict. It’s often seen as a warning about the potential for wickedness and the consequences of rejecting God. Important Note: The interpretation of this verse is complex and has been debated throughout history. Different theologians and biblical scholars have offered various explanations, but there's no single, universally accepted understanding. In short, Revelation 9:18 describes a devastating event – a significant loss of life – caused by the words spoken by those who were defiant against God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories or themes in the Bible? Provide a different interpretation of the verse (though I'll stick with the traditional one)?