The First Vial
“And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” (Rev 16:2 KJV)
The first vial causes severe sores on those that took the mark of the beast and worshipped his image. Some suggest that the mark itself could have caused the sores. Examples of why this could happen include chips under the skin that melt or leach poisons into the body. Another possibility, and one that I think is more likely, is that God causes the sores to come up on the people. The angel is pouring out the wrath of God; not allowing man’s mistakes to take effect. That would happen anyway. The fact that it is noisome means that it’s troubling and causes great panic.
Noisome – 2556 κακός kakos {kak-os’}
Meaning: 1) of a bad nature 1a) not such as it ought to be 2) of a mode of thinking, feeling, acting 2a) base, wrong, wicked 3) troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive, baneful
Origin: apparently a primary word; TDNT – 3:469,391; adj
Usage: AV – evil 40, evil things 3, harm 2, that which is evil + 3458 2, wicked 1, ill 1, bad 1, noisome 1; 51
Grievous – 4190 πονηρός poneros {pon-ay-ros’}
Meaning: 1) full of labours, annoyances, hardships 1a) pressed and harassed by labours 1b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils; of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble 2) bad, of a bad nature or condition 2a) in a physical sense: diseased or blind 2b) in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad