Paragraph 16:17–21

16:17a

seventh: The word seventh here refers to the next item after the sixth one. Here it also refers to the last of the seven angels. See how you translated this word in 8:1.

into the air: This phrase refers to the place beneath outer space but above the ground. It is where the winds are.

16:17b

a loud voice came from the throne in the temple:
The Greek word order is normal here. No phrase is emphasized. For example:

a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne (Revised Standard Version)

a loud voice came: This phrase can refer to either God or to someone speaking on God’s behalf (as in 16:1). Use a phrase that can refer to anyone in heaven. For example:

loud speech which said
-or-

⌊someone⌋ shouted

throne: This word refers to the official chair of a king. It is a symbol of his power to rule. Here the word throne refers to the place from where God rules. See how you translated this word in 1:4.

temple: The word temple refers to a building where God, or another deity, is believed to be present in a special way. People worship there. See how you translated this word in 3:12 or 15:5.

It is done: The Greek clause is literally “It has happened” (as in the God’s Word). This clause probably indicates that God’s punishments upon the people will be finished with this last plague.

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