Rev 16:13-14 | RWP | e4.org | Coming out of ( εκ alone, no participle ερχομενα ). Of the dragon ( του δρακοντος ). That is Satan ( , ). Of the beast ( του θηριου ). The first beast ( , ) and then just the beast ( .; , ; ; , ), the brute force of the World-power represented by the Roman Empire" (Swete). Of the false prophet ( του ψευδοπροφητου ). Cf. ; ; ; ; . Identified with the second beast ( ) in ; . So the sixth bowl introduces the dragon and his two subalterns of chapters ; (the two beasts). Three unclean spirits ( πνευματα τρια ακαθαρτα ). Out of the mouths of each of the three evil powers (the dragon and the two beasts) comes an evil spirit. See the use of mouth in ( .; ; ; , ) as a chief seat of influence. In we have "the breath of his mouth" (the other sense of πνευμα ). For ακαθαρτον (unclean) with πνευμα see .; ; .; ; . Christ expelled unclean spirits, but His enemies send them forth" (Swete). See "the false prophets and the unclean spirits." As it were frogs ( ως βατραχο ). Cf. ; . Old word, here alone in N.T. Like loathsome frogs in form.

‏ Revelation of John 16:13-14

Coming out of ( εκ alone, no participle ερχομενα ).

Of the dragon ( του δρακοντος ). That is Satan (12:3, 9).

Of the beast ( του θηριου ). The first beast (13:1, 12) and then just the beast (13:14ff.; 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2, 10), the brute force of the World-power represented by the Roman Empire" (Swete).

Of the false prophet ( του ψευδοπροφητου ). Cf. Mt 7:15; Ac 13:6; 1Jo 2:22; 4:3; 2Jo 1:7. Identified with the second beast (13:11-14) in 19:20; 20:10. So the sixth bowl introduces the dragon and his two subalterns of chapters Re 12; 13 (the two beasts).

Three unclean spirits ( πνευματα τρια ακαθαρτα ). Out of the mouths of each of the three evil powers (the dragon and the two beasts) comes an evil spirit. See the use of mouth in 1:16 (9:17f.; 11:5; 12:15; 19:15, 21) as a chief seat of influence. In 2Th 2:8 we have "the breath of his mouth" (the other sense of πνευμα ). For ακαθαρτον (unclean) with πνευμα see Mr 1:23f.; 3:11; 5:2ff.; Ac 5:16; 8:7. Christ expelled unclean spirits, but His enemies send them forth" (Swete). See Zec 13:2 "the false prophets and the unclean spirits."

As it were frogs ( ως βατραχο ). Cf. Ex 8:5; Le 11:10ff. Old word, here alone in N.T. Like loathsome frogs in form.

Spirits of devils ( πνευματα δαιμονιων ). "Spirits of demons." Explanation of the simile ως βατραχο. See 1Ti 4:1 about "deceiving spirits and teachings of demons."

Working signs ( ποιουντα σημεια ). "Doing signs" (present active participle of ποιεω ). The Egyptian magicians wrought "signs" (tricks), as did Simon Magus and later Apollonius of Tyana. Houdini claimed that he could reproduce every trick of the spiritualistic mediums.

Which go forth ( α εκπορευετα ). Singular verb with neuter plural (collective) subject.

Unto the kings ( επ τους βασιλεις ). The three evil spirits (dragon and the two beasts) spur on the kings of the whole world to a real world war. "There have been times when nations have been seized by a passion for war which the historian can but imperfectly explain" (Swete).

To gather them together ( συναγαγειν ). Second aorist active infinitive of συναγω, to express purpose (that of the unclean spirits).

Unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty ( εις τον πολεμον της ημερας της μεγαλης του θεου του παντοκρατορος ). Some take this to be war between nations, like Mr 13:8, but it is more likely war against God (Ps 2:2) and probably the battle pictured in 17:14; 19:19. Cf. 2Pe 3:12, "the day of God," his reckoning with the nations. See Joe 2:11; 3:4. Paul uses "that day" for the day of the Lord Jesus (the Parousia) as in 1Th 5:2; 2Th 1:10; 2:2; 1Co 1:8; 2Co 1:14; Php 1:6; 2:16; 2Ti 1:12, 18; 4:8.