CategoryObject / Judgment Symbol
Modern Equivalentbowl; container; vessel.
KJV Word TypeObject / apocalyptic symbol
DefinitionA container or bowl. In Revelation, “vials” are bowls associated with the outpouring of God’s judgments.
Key Verses"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues." (Revelation 15:1); "Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth." (Revelation 16:1)
KJV Usage NoteIn Revelation, “vial” means a bowl-like vessel used symbolically for judgment being poured out.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not necessarily mean a small modern glass tube; in Revelation it refers to a bowl or vessel.
EtymologyFrom Latin phiala and Greek phialē, meaning a broad bowl or vessel.