Lexical Summary batrachos: Frog Original Word: βάτραχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance frog. Of uncertain derivation; a frog -- frog. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a frog NASB Translation frogs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 944: βάτραχοςβάτραχος, βατραχου, ὁ, a frog (from Homer (i. e. Battach., and Herodotus) down): Revelation 16:13. Topical Lexicon Entry: Strong’s Greek 944Occurrence in the New Testament The word appears once, in Revelation 16:13, describing “three unclean spirits like frogs.” Its singular use lends weight to its imagery, concentrating attention on the prophetic scene surrounding the sixth bowl of wrath. Biblical Context in Revelation 16:13 John records, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet” (Berean Standard Bible). The vision unfolds amid cosmic judgment. The “frogs” are not literal amphibians; they are metaphorical representations of demonic emissaries that proceed from the unholy trinity (dragon, beast, false prophet) to gather the kings of the earth for the climactic battle at Armageddon (Revelation 16:14-16). Old Testament Background Frogs feature prominently in the second plague on Egypt (Exodus 8:1-14). There they swarmed the land, invaded private and public space, and manifested divine judgment against Pharaoh. The plague exposed the impotence of Egypt’s gods, including Heqet, the frog-headed deity of fertility. When John draws upon this imagery, he invokes the memory of God’s historic power to judge oppressive regimes and liberate His people. The frogs in Revelation thus function as an eschatological echo of Exodus: just as Pharaoh’s kingdom faced judgment, so the end-time powers arrayed against God will encounter His final wrath. Symbolic Significance 1. Ceremonial uncleanness: Frogs were deemed unclean in Jewish tradition (Leviticus 11:10-12). Their association with ritual impurity underscores the moral corruption of the spirits in Revelation. Historical and Cultural Notes In the Greco-Roman world, frogs could symbolize fertility and life because of their association with water and marshlands. Revelation subverts this cultural symbolism, portraying them instead as agents of spiritual death. The contrast highlights the danger of trusting cultural interpretations over divine revelation. Theological Themes • Spiritual warfare: The verse exposes the reality of demonic strategy in world politics. Applications for Ministry • Discernment: Church leaders must recognize the deceptive nature of teachings that originate from ungodly sources, regardless of cultural appeal. Eschatological Implications The frogs mark a pivotal moment when spiritual deception culminates in global conflict. Armageddon is less a random location than the divinely appointed arena where evil is gathered for defeat. The imagery warns against aligning with powers opposed to God and anticipates the triumph of the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). Cross-References Exodus 8:1-14 – Historical plague of frogs. Psalm 78:45 – Summary of the plague in Israel’s worship. 1 Timothy 4:1 – “Some will abandon the faith to follow deceiving spirits.” 1 John 4:1 – Test every spirit to see whether it is from God. Summary Though mentioned only once in the New Testament, the “frogs” of Revelation 16:13 carry sweeping theological weight. Rooted in Exodus imagery, they portray demonic deception, prophetic fulfillment, and divine sovereignty converging at the threshold of Christ’s ultimate victory. Forms and Transliterations βατραχοι βάτραχοι βατράχοις βάτραχον βάτραχος βατράχους βατράχων batrachoi bátrachoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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