Translation
Then the angels,
the four of them,
were released, having been prepared for
this hour, and day and month and year,
Go to footnote numberin order to kill a third
Go to footnote numberof mankind.
Paraphrase
Then the empowered ones whose sphere of authority covers the entire world were released, having been prepared for this very moment
in order
to kill a portion of
mankind.
Footnotes
1
Why this exact time? The highly specific time for this action indicates that God is completely in control of this punishment, it is not random but carefully planned. It also shows that this punishment fulfills a specific purpose.
2: “a third of mankind”
Even though a large number of people will be killed, it will be limited and will not be the full judgment that mankind deserves. This is yet another warning coupled with an opportunity for people to repent.