Revelation 8 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets. - The Lamb opens the seventh seal ([8:1–5](../08/01.md)) - The first trumpet ([8:6–7](../08/06.md)) - The second trumpet ([8:8–9](../08/08.md)) - The third trumpet ([8:10–11](../08/10.md)) - The fourth trumpet ([8:12–13](../08/12.md))

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Ordinal numbers

John uses the ordinal numbers “first” through “fourth” in [verses 7](../08/07.md), 8, [10](../08/10.md), and [12](../08/12.md). If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in your translation. (See: translate-ordinal)

The fraction “one third”

Many times in this chapter John uses the expression “one third.” This means one part out of three equal parts. Translate this in the way that would be most natural in your language. (See: translate-fraction)