King James Version

What Does Revelation 10:4 Mean?

Revelation 10:4 in the King James Version says “And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 10:4 · KJV

Context

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,

6

And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are , and the earth, and the things that therein are , and the sea, and the things which are therein , that there should be time no longer:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 10:4 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 · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 29

“when”

G3753

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

ἐλάλησαν3 of 29

“had uttered”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αἱ4 of 29
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ5 of 29

“the seven”

G2033

seven

βρονταί6 of 29

“thunders”

G1027

thunder

τὰς7 of 29
G3588

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

φωνὴν8 of 29

“a voice”

G5456

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

ἑαυτῶν,9 of 29

“their”

G1438

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

ἔμελλον10 of 29

“I was about”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

γράψῃς11 of 29

“to write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

καὶ12 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

ἤκουσα13 of 29

“I heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

φωνὴν14 of 29

“a voice”

G5456

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

ἐκ15 of 29

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ16 of 29
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ17 of 29

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

λέγουσαν18 of 29

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μοι,19 of 29

“unto me”

G3427

to me

Σφράγισον20 of 29

“Seal up”

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

ἃ21 of 29

“those things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐλάλησαν22 of 29

“had uttered”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αἱ23 of 29
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ24 of 29

“the seven”

G2033

seven

βρονταί25 of 29

“thunders”

G1027

thunder

καὶ26 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

μὴ27 of 29

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ταὐτὰ28 of 29

“them”

G5023

these things

γράψῃς29 of 29

“to write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

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 10:4 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 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 12:4Daniel 8:26Daniel 12:9Revelation 22:10Deuteronomy 29:29Habakkuk 2:2-3

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