King James Version

What Does Revelation 10:3 Mean?

Revelation 10:3 in the King James Version says “And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.”

Revelation 10:3 · KJV

Context

1

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

2

And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

3

And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

4

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

5

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.... This verse from Revelation's vision of angel with little book - mystery of god completed, prophetic commission renewed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 10:3 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔκραξεν2 of 17

“cried”

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

φωνάς3 of 17

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ4 of 17

“with a loud”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ὥσπερ5 of 17

“as”

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

λέων6 of 17

“when a lion”

G3023

a "lion"

μυκᾶται7 of 17

“roareth”

G3455

to bellow (roar)

καὶ8 of 17

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτε9 of 17

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἔκραξεν10 of 17

“cried”

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ἐλάλησαν11 of 17

“uttered”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αἱ12 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ13 of 17

“seven”

G2033

seven

βρονταὶ14 of 17

“thunders”

G1027

thunder

τὰς15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑαυτῶν16 of 17

“their”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

φωνάς17 of 17

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 10:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 31:4Amos 1:2Revelation 4:5Joel 3:16Revelation 14:2Jeremiah 25:30

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