The English word plague is πληγή (pla-ga’) in Greek. We ought to think of this word in relationship to wounds, stripes, or afflictions as it is often used to describe pain other than an infectious disease. The seven bowls described in Revelation 21 contain within them 7 afflictions, stripes, or wounds. If COVID-19 or a similar event would be described in Revelation 21, this is the word we would expect to be used. So, is this a possible reference to COVID-19?

In Revelation 21 we’re told about a great many things. A few weeks ago we took a look at God’s dwelling that will be made with his people in the final times. We then took a look at the final end to chaos with the passing away of the sea. We’re told much about the final times in the book of Revelation. Knowing about the last things was the intent of the Holy Spirit in the vision that was given to John. We’re told in Revelation 1:1-3

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

From the very outset of the book of Revelation, we’re told about things that God has shown to John. The book of Revelation is sometimes thought of as a confusing book, or controversial. Scripture can often be confusing due to a lack of understanding, rather than an inherently mysterious nature within the text. Because some consider Revelation a confusing or mysterious book, study of it is avoided. One of my mentors the start of my time in ministry told me, “Romans, and Revelation, are two of the most difficult books to preach and teach out of. Don’t teach on those books till you are towards the end of your time in ministry”. His warning was well intended, but ultimately flawed. Part of the reason why so many do not understand, or seek to understand God’s revealed word in these books, is due to fear of misunderstanding. This becomes a cycle. The thinking turns into something resembling the following:

• We do not understand Revelation, because it’s a confusing book.
  • Therefore…
  • We don’t begin to study Revelation, because it’s a confusing book.
    • Therefore…
    • When we are taught things from Revelation, we are confused because we lack familiarity with the book.
      • Therefore….
      • When passages are cited from Revelation, they are unclear since we have no frame of reference for the overarching vision of Revelation.
        • Therefore we conclude…
        • It’s best if we leave Revelation to someone else to study, someone else to read, someone else to tackle. It’s too confusing for us. 

Here is one case and point example of the book of Revelation making itself clear, on a present topic and question. In Revelation 21, we’re told about 7 angels, and 7 final plagues that come. Is it possible that COVID-19 is one of the last seven plagues mentioned in Revelation 21? Let’s take a look at the text to understand the basis for the question:

9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The English word plague is πληγή (pla-ga’) in Greek. We ought to think of this word in relationship to wounds, stripes, or afflictions as it is often used to describe pain other than an infectious disease. The seven bowls described in Revelation 21 contain within them 7 afflictions, stripes, or wounds. If COVID-19 or a similar event would be described in Revelation 21, this is the word we would expect to be used. So, is this a possible reference to COVID-19?

We find our answer in a few manners. Firstly, by looking at the placing of Revelation 21:9 in the timeline of events of Revelation, and secondly by looking at Revelation 21:9 itself as a reference point to previous mentions of the 7 plagues.

The Timeline of Revelation 21:9

We’re told in 21:10 about the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. The city is then described in verses 11-14. This is the city that is prior referenced in Revelation 21:2. These events happening during Revelation 21:9 are closely tied together. 

The events of Revelation 21 come after the great white throne judgement in Revelation 20. This is after the resurrection of the dead and the final judgement of God upon all things (Revelation 20:12-15). Before the great judgement, all the living and the dead are accounted for with books. Anyone not named in the book of life is then sentenced to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-20). After this judgement there is no more need or use of plagues. We’re told that all the things of pain, and mourning are no more after the great white throne judgement is concluded and the dwelling of God is with man (Revelation 21:4). 

Due to the timeline of events and the structured sequence of Revelation, the mention of the plagues in Revelation 21:9 cannot be an active plague. Rather than speaking of an active, current plague in Revelation 21:9, the plagues mentioned are referential in relationship to the angels mentioned in the same verse. 

The Reference Point of Rev 21:9

This brings us to our second method for answering the question: examining plagues in Revelation 21:9 as a reference point.

9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

The seven last plagues are mentioned here as objects under the supervision of seven angels. This is not the first time these seven angels, or seven plagues are mentioned in Revelation. We read of these seven angels in charge of seven plagues first in Revelation 15:1

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

We’re told about the purpose and the timing of these plagues in Revelation 15:1. Within these plagues contain the final wrath of God. The purpose of these plagues is for the final outpouring of God’s condemnation upon unrighteousness. The final wrath of God is not poured out in Revelation 15:1, but a timeline is given for when the plagues will be unleashed. 

5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. (Revelation 15:5-8, emphasis added)

God’s presence is described in Revelation 15 as being within the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven. The sanctuary is not able to be entered until God’s final wrath is unleashed. These bowls of the final wrath of God are poured out at the command of a voice from within the temple. 

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 16:1)

Throughout the course of  chapter 16 we read about the seven angels and the plagues that are poured out at the command of the voice from the temple. God commands these plagues to go forward and they do so as the final outpouring of God’s wrath. These seven bowls are detailed as follows:

• Bowl #1 is poured upon the earth on people who bear the mark of the beast and worship its image (Rev 16:2).
• Bowl #2 is poured into the sea and everything alive in the sea dies (Rev 16:3).
• Bowl #3 is poured into rivers and streams of water and they turn into blood (Rev 16:4-7).
• Bowl #4 is poured on the sun which scorches people with fire (Rev 16:8-9).
• Bowl #5 is poured out on the throne of the beast and the people curse God for their pain (Rev 16:10-11)
• Bowl #6 is poured out on the river Euphrates which in turn dries up and a great gathering comes together in the plains of Armageddon (Rev 16:12-16).
• Bowl #7 is poured into the air and great thunders, lightnings, and the greatest earthquake of all time occurs (Rev 16:17-21). 

None of these seven plagues of the final wrath of God mention disease. The only one which comes close is bowl #5, but that is poured onto people who do not repent of their deeds. If you are a believer who has repented for your sins, this clearly isn’t a bowl intended for you. None of these seven plagues mentioned indicate in their destination or in their manifestation to be similar to COVID-19. 

The sequence of these outpourings is also important. Let’s assume for the sake of the discussion that any of the plagues #3-7 is indeed COVID-19. We then have to find an explanation or meaning for Bowl #1 and Bowl #2 being poured out already. I would love to read anyone that is claiming with any kind of textual work from Revelation and contemporary events that the first and second plague have already occurred. Last I checked, fish still live in the sea and there are plenty of other living creatures (plague #2 explicitly ends life in the sea). It could be these plagues are symbolic, in which case you may argue they have already occurred. However, an explanation would then have to be given as to why the text of Revelation would choose to refer to some of the plagues as being figurative, and others of the plagues being non-figurative (IE being referential to COVID-19). 

When Revelation speaks about the seven angels and their seven plagues in 21:9, these are the seven plagues to which they are referring . These seven plagues are the final outpouring of God’s wrath prior to the white throne judgement, and these plagues lead into the last dark days of the world before the final verdict upon the living and the dead. 

The timeline of events in 21:9 and leading up to it indicate that there is no remaining plague left after the white throne judgement in Revelation 20. Therefore the plagues mentioned are referential to something earlier. They are references to the angels who were responsible for each of these plagues in Revelation 15, and 16. 

Is COVID-19 one of the last seven plagues mentioned in Revelation 21? Nope! Is it potentially one of the plagues poured out as the final wrath of God? Probably not. It would take a great amount of twisting, turning, and reading meaning into Revelation 15, 16, and 21 to try and make the current epidemic out to be one of the final outpourings of God’s wrath. 

Does that mean that COVID-19 is out of God’s control, or somehow isn’t subject to God’s perfect will? By no means! COVID-19, just like anything else that occurs in the universe, is subject to the will of God. 

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28-29). 

If you’d like to read more regarding the Bible and COVID-19, check out how the plague of Snakes in Numbers 21 ought to convict us, and motivate us!