Revelation 8:9

9 and the third part of [the] creature was dead [and the third part of creatures is dead], that had lives in the sea, and the third part of [the] ships perished.

Revelation 8:9 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 8:9

And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea,
&c.] The fishes; by whom men are meant, the inhabitants of the Roman empire; see ( Ezekiel 29:4 Ezekiel 29:5 ) , where by fish the Targum understands mighty princes and governors:

and had life, died;
were put to death by these savage and barbarous people, who killed all they met with, men, women, and children, young and old, rich and poor, high and low:

and the third part of the ships were destroyed;
by which may be designed either the cities and towns within such a part of the Roman jurisdiction, which were burnt or plundered by them; or their goods and effects, which they pillaged, and carried off the wealth and riches of the people, even all their substance, as Austin ^F16 and Jerom ^F17, who lived in those times, affirm.

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 De Civitate Dei, l. 1. c. 10. vid. L. Vivem in ib.
F17 Ad Eustochium.

Revelation 8:9 In-Context

7 And the first angel trumpeted [And the first angel sang in trump]; and hail was made, and fire mingled together in blood; and it was sent into the earth. And the third part of the earth was burnt, and the third part of trees was burnt, and all the green grass was burnt.

8 And the second angel trumpeted [And the second angel sang in trump]; and as a great hill burning with fire was cast into the sea; and the third part of the sea was made blood,

9 and the third part of [the] creature was dead [and the third part of creatures is dead], that had lives in the sea, and the third part of [the] ships perished.

10 And the third angel trumpeted; and a great star burning as a little brand, fell from heaven; and it fell into the third part of rivers, and into the wells of waters. [And the third angel sang in trump; and a great star burning as a brand, fell down from heaven; and it fell into the third part of floods, and into wells of waters.]

11 And the name of the star is said Wormwood. And the third part of waters was made into wormwood; and many men were dead of the waters, for those were made bitter [for they be made bitter].