All tears (7dav Sdxpuvov). Rev., correctly, every tear. Com- pare Isa. xxv. 8.
1. When (6re). Read éray, the indefinite particle with the indicative mood. For a similar construction, see Mark xi. 19 (correct reading). Alford observes that it occurs in the open- ing of this seal only, giving it an indefiniteness which does not belong to any of the rest.
There was (éyévero). More literally, came to pass. Rev., there followed.
About (os). A usual form of expression with John. See John i. 39; vi. 19; xi. 18.
REVELATION OF JOHN. 505 2. Stood (€oTnKacw). Rev., correctly, stand. Trumpets (cddmuyyes). See on ch. i. 10.
3. At the altar (€7i ro Svovacrnpiov). The best texts read Suvcvacrnpiov, which justifies the Rev., “ over the altar.” For altar, see on ch. vi. 9. Interpreters differ as to whether the altar meant is the brazen altar, as in ch. vi. 9, or the altar of incense, as in ch. ix.13. There seems to be no reason for changing the reference from the brazen altar (see on ch. vi. 9), especially as both altars are mentioned in this verse. The offic- iating priest in the tabernacle or temple took the fire for his censer from the brazen altar, and then offered the incense upon the golden altar.
Censer. See on ch. v. 8.
Incense. See on ch. v. 8.
Offer it with the prayers (Secn tais mpocevyais). Lit., should give it unto the prayers. Rev., add it unto the prayers. So that the prayers and the incense might ascend together. IIpocevyy is always used of prayer to God.
Golden altar. Thealtar of incense. Exod. xxx. 1-6; xxxix. 38.
4. Which came with the prayers. An awkward render- ing, followed by Rev., though with the omission of the italicized which came. The construction is avéBn went up, with the dative case, to the prayers. ‘The ascending smoke had reference to the prayers, was designed to accompany them and render them more acceptable” (Winer).
Of the saints (Tdv dylwv). See on Acts xxvi. 10. 5. Took (lander). Lit., hath taken. So Rev., in margin.
With the fire (€« tod wrupos). Lit., “from or out of the fire,” 7.e., the coals or hot ashes. For é« out of, see on ch. ii. 7.
506 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Cast it into the earth. See Ezek. x. 2; Luke xii. 49.
6. To sound (iva carricwow). Lit., that they should blow the trumpets. Raised their trumpets to their mouths in act to blow.
7. The first angel. Omit angel.
Hail and fire mingled with blood (yd\afa kal wip pepuy- péva aiuatt). Insert év in before aiwats blood. Instead of “pith blood” as A. V., and Rev., we should render “zm blood.” The hailstones and fire-balls fell in a shower of blood. Com- pare the account of the plague of fire and hail in Egypt (Exod. ix. 24) to which the reference is here, where the Septuagint reads and there was hail and the fire flaming in the hail. Com- pare Joel ii. 80.
And the third part of the earth was burnt up. This is added by the best texts.
Green (yAwpos). See on pale, ch. vi. 8.
8. As it were (as). Not a mountain, but a fiery mass so large as to resemble one.
Blood. Reminding of the first plague in Egypt (Exod. vii. 20, 21).
9. Life (ruyas). See on 3 John 2.
Ships (7rAodwv). See on Luke v. 2.
10. Lamp (Aaprras). Rev., torch. See on ch. iv. 5.
11. Wormwood (dfuv3os). Used metaphorically in the Old Testament of the idolatry of Israel (Deut. xxix. 18); of calam-
ity and sorrow (Jer. ix.153 xxiii. 15; Lam. iii. 15,19); of false judgment (Amos v. 7).