An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 16:10: The Significance of `ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας`
Revelation 16:10, situated within the catastrophic sequence of the bowl judgments, presents a vivid and somewhat enigmatic description of the unrepentant’s suffering. Specifically, the phrase `ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν ἐκ τοῦ πόνου` (they gnawed their tongues because of the pain) raises exegetical questions regarding the precise meaning of the verb `μασαομαι`, its broader usage in ancient Greek literature, and the nuanced implications of such an action within the apocalyptic context. This analysis aims to explore the textual, lexical, and grammatical dimensions of this passage to illuminate its theological and rhetorical force.
Καὶ ὁ πέμπτος ἄγγελος ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον τοῦ θηρίου· καὶ ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτισμένη, καὶ ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν ἐκ τοῦ πόνου. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The SBLGNT (2010) places `ἄγγελος` in square brackets, indicating some textual uncertainty regarding its inclusion (Καὶ ὁ πέμπτος [ἄγγελος]…).
- The SBLGNT (2010) reads `ἐσκοτωμένη` for “darkened,” whereas the Nestle 1904 text has `ἐσκοτισμένη`. Both are perfect passive participles derived from verbs meaning “to darken,” and the semantic difference is negligible.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The textual apparatus of NA28, while not providing a critical variant for `ἐμασῶντο` itself, notes the aforementioned variations. The bracketing of `ἄγγελος` in some critical editions reflects a minor textual debate, though its presence or absence does not significantly alter the narrative flow. Similarly, the variation between `ἐσκοτισμένη` and `ἐσκοτωμένη` represents a common orthographical or morphological fluctuation among manuscripts that bears no substantial impact on the passage’s meaning, consistently describing the beast’s kingdom as darkened.
The verb `μασαομαι` (aorist middle `ἐμασῶντο`) is unique to Revelation 16:10 within the New Testament corpus. While the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel et al.) does not feature a dedicated entry for `μασαομαι` due to its singular occurrence in the NT, comprehensive lexical resources provide essential insight. BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed.) defines `μασαομαι` primarily as “to chew, gnaw.” It notes its usage in ancient Greek literature dating back to Aristophanes, underscoring its established presence in the Greek language. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) likewise confirms “to chew” as the primary meaning but crucially adds a secondary sense: “shoot out the lip, as a mark of contempt.” This secondary meaning is vital for considering the phrase’s potential rhetorical layers.
In the Septuagint (LXX), the verb appears in Job 30:4, where it describes the hungry “chewing” saltwort by the roots of trees (`οἱ μασῶνται ἅλμην ἐπὶ ῥίζας ξύλων`), a context that clearly denotes a literal act of consuming or gnawing. This reinforces the primary lexical definition, grounding the word in a tangible, physical action.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The phrase `ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν ἐκ τοῦ πόνου` (they gnawed their tongues because of the pain) employs an aorist middle indicative verb, `ἐμασῶντο`. The middle voice suggests that the action is performed by the subject *upon itself* or *for itself*, thus conveying a reflexive sense—they gnawed *their own* tongues. The direct object, `τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν` (“their tongues”), explicitly names the affected body part. The prepositional phrase `ἐκ τοῦ πόνου` (“out of the pain” or “because of the pain”) functions as a causal explanation for their action.
Grammatically, the construction is straightforward. Rhetorically, however, the image is profoundly evocative. The act of gnawing one’s own tongue, driven by intense pain, signifies an extreme state of suffering. It portrays an agony so profound that the afflicted person inflicts further harm upon themselves, perhaps as an involuntary reaction to unbearable torment, or as an expression of frustrated rage and helplessness. The lexical note from Liddell-Scott-Jones, suggesting “to shoot out the lip, as a mark of contempt,” adds a potential layer of meaning beyond mere physical anguish. While the primary impulse is undoubtedly pain, the action could simultaneously convey defiance, impotent rage, or contempt for their tormentors or even for God whose judgments they refuse to repent from (cf. Revelation 16:9, 11). This combination of physical torment and psychological distress (agony, anger, perhaps even self-loathing) underscores the depth of their suffering and the hardening of their hearts.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegetical analysis of Revelation 16:10 reveals a phrase that communicates not only immense physical pain but also a potent blend of psychological distress and perhaps unrepentant defiance. The uniqueness of `μασαομαι` in the New Testament highlights its specific impact here. The action of gnawing one’s tongue, explicitly attributed to pain, points to a state of being overwhelmed by suffering, yet possibly retaining a hardened spirit.
Based on these considerations, the following translation suggestions are offered:
- “And they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.” This translation is very literal, emphasizing the direct, physical nature of the suffering described by the verb and the explicit cause.
- “And they bit their tongues in their agony.” This rendering captures the involuntary and intense nature of the suffering, using “bit” as a common idiom for intense pain or frustration, and “agony” to encapsulate the broader suffering.
- “And they writhed, gnashing their tongues in furious pain.” This option attempts to convey the full rhetorical force, suggesting not only the physical torment (`writhed`, `gnashing`) but also the underlying psychological distress of rage or frustration implied by the broader context of unrepentance, even while foregrounding the pain.