King James Version

What Does Revelation 16:9 Mean?

Revelation 16:9 in the King James Version says “And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they rep...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. scorched: or, burned”

Revelation 16:9 · KJV

Context

7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

8

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

9

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. scorched: or, burned

10

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

11

And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Read Revelation 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven bowls of wrath - final judgments, battle of armageddon, babylon's fall announced 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 16:9 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 · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκαυματίσθησαν2 of 25

“were scorched”

G2739

to burn

τὰς3 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ἄνθρωποι4 of 25

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καῦμα5 of 25

“heat”

G2738

properly, a burn (concretely), but used (abstractly) of a glow

μέγα6 of 25

“with great”

G3173

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

καὶ7 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ἐβλασφήμησαν8 of 25

“blasphemed”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

τὰς9 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ὄνομα10 of 25

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τὰς11 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

θεοῦ12 of 25

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὰς13 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ἔχοντος14 of 25

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐξουσίαν15 of 25

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἐπὶ16 of 25

“over”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰς17 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

πληγὰς18 of 25

“plagues”

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

ταύτας19 of 25
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ20 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

οὐ21 of 25

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μετενόησαν22 of 25

“they repented”

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

δοῦναι23 of 25

“to give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ24 of 25

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δόξαν25 of 25

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:21Revelation 2:21Revelation 11:13Luke 13:5Jeremiah 5:3Revelation 16:10-11

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