The Second Vial
“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” (Rev 16:3 KJV)
The second vial turns the sea to blood of the dead, killing every creature in the sea. Some believe that the sea turns the color of blood, while others proclaim it is literal blood. It is very specific as to what kind of blood it is: blood of a dead man. It could be that the blood of those killed has run into the sea, or they died in the sea. Since it uses the term ‘as’, it could be figurative. I believe it is literal, just like in Exodus.
“20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
21 And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
23 And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.
24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
25 And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.”
(Exo 7:20-25 KJV)
As – 5613 ὡς hos {hoce}
Meaning: 1) as, like, even as, etc.
Origin: probably from comparative from 3739;; adv
Usage: AV – as 342, when 42, how 18, as it were 20, about 14, misc 56; 492
Blood – 129 αἷμα haima {hah’-ee-mah}
Meaning: 1) blood 1a) of man or animals 1b) refers to the seat of life 1c) of those things that resemble blood, grape juice 2) blood shed, to be shed by violence, slay, murder
Origin: of uncertain derivation; TDNT – 1:172,26; n m
Usage: AV – blood 99; 99
Dead – 3498 νεκρός nekros {nek-ros’}
Meaning: 1) properly 1a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless 1b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in Hades 1c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate 2) metaph. 2a) spiritually dead 2a1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins 2a2) inactive as respects doing right 2b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
Origin: from an apparently primary nekus (a corpse); TDNT – 4:892,627; adj
Usage: AV – dead 132; 132