King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:20 Mean?

Revelation 9:20 in the King James Version says “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they s... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Revelation 9:20 · KJV


Context

18

By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

19

For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

20

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

21

Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, a... This verse from Revelation's vision of fifth and sixth trumpets - demonic torment and massive army, unrepentant humanity 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 9:20 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 · 49 words
καὶ1 of 49

And

G2532

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

οἱ2 of 49
G3588

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

λοιποὶ3 of 49

the rest

G3062

remaining ones

τῶν4 of 49
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων5 of 49

of the men

G444

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

6 of 49

which

G3739

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

οὐκ7 of 49

not

G3756

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

ἀπεκτάνθησαν8 of 49

killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

ἐν9 of 49

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς10 of 49
G3588

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

πληγαῖς11 of 49

plagues

G4127

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

ταύταις12 of 49
G3778

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

οὔτε13 of 49

neither

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

μετενόησαν14 of 49

repented

G3340

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

ἐκ15 of 49

of

G1537

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

τῶν16 of 49
G3588

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

ἔργων17 of 49

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

τῶν18 of 49
G3588

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

χειρῶν19 of 49

hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν20 of 49
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

ἵνα21 of 49
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ22 of 49
G3361

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

προσκυνήσωσιν23 of 49

they should

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τὰ24 of 49
G3588

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

δαιμόνια25 of 49

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

καὶ26 of 49

And

G2532

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

εἴδωλα27 of 49

idols

G1497

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

τὰ28 of 49
G3588

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

χρυσᾶ29 of 49

of gold

G5552

made of gold

καὶ30 of 49

And

G2532

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

τὰ31 of 49
G3588

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

ἀργυρᾶ32 of 49

silver

G693

made of silver

καὶ33 of 49

And

G2532

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

τὰ34 of 49
G3588

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

χαλκᾶ35 of 49

brass

G5470

coppery

καὶ36 of 49

And

G2532

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

τὰ37 of 49
G3588

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

λίθινα38 of 49

stone

G3035

stony, i.e., made of stone

καὶ39 of 49

And

G2532

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

τὰ40 of 49
G3588

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

ξύλινα41 of 49

of wood

G3585

wooden

42 of 49

which

G3739

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

οὔτε43 of 49

neither

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

βλέπειν44 of 49

see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

δύναται45 of 49

can

G1410

to be able or possible

οὔτε46 of 49

neither

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἀκούειν47 of 49

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

οὔτε48 of 49

neither

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

περιπατεῖν49 of 49

walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)


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 9:20 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 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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