Revelation 10:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} cried {G2896} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, as {G5618} when a lion {G3023} roareth {G3455}: and {G2532} when {G3753} he had cried {G2896}, seven {G2033} thunders {G1027} uttered {G2980} their {G1438} voices {G5456}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and shouted in a voice as loud as the roar of a lion; and when he shouted, seven thunderclaps sounded with voices that spoke.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.

American Standard Version

and he cried with a great voice, as a lion roareth: and when he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 10:3 captures a dramatic moment in John's apocalyptic vision, where a mighty angel, having descended from heaven, unleashes a powerful cry likened to the roar of a lion. This resounding declaration is immediately followed by the mysterious utterance of "seven thunders," whose voices, though heard, are divinely sealed from John's recording, underscoring the sovereign control of God over the scope and timing of His revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 10:3 is situated within a crucial interlude between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets, a pause in the sequence of judgments that allows for further prophetic revelation and the commissioning of John. The "mighty angel" of this verse is introduced in [Revelation 10:1-2](/revelation/10-1-2 "Revelation 10:1-2 - The Mighty Angel with the Little Book"), descending with a cloud, a rainbow, and a face like the sun, holding a "little book" open in his hand. His colossal stance, with one foot on the sea and one on the land, signifies his dominion over the entire earth, setting the stage for a universally significant pronouncement. The roar in verse 3 is the angel's initial, powerful act, immediately preceding the command to John in [Revelation 10:4](/revelation/10-4 "Revelation 10:4 - The Sealing of the Seven Thunders") not to write what the seven thunders uttered, creating an immediate sense of divine mystery and selective revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a lion's roar and thunder as manifestations of divine power or significant pronouncements is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition. Lions were symbols of strength, royalty, and judgment (e.g., [Amos 3:8](/amos/3-8 "Amos 3:8 - The Lion Has Roared")). Thunder often accompanied theophany, signifying God's voice, presence, and judgment (e.g., [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Thunder and Lightning at Sinai"), [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord")). The number seven, a pervasive motif in Revelation, commonly symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness, reinforcing the idea that the "seven thunders" represent a full, divinely ordained revelation, even if it remains unrevealed to humanity. This context highlights how John draws upon familiar apocalyptic and prophetic motifs to convey profound theological truths.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, particularly through the angel's lion-like roar, an image of immense power that echoes the authority of Christ, the [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"). Secondly, the episode of the "seven thunders" introduces the theme of **Unrevealed Mysteries and the Limits of Revelation**. Not all divine truth is immediately accessible or intended for human understanding, reminding believers of God's prerogative to disclose or withhold information according to His perfect timing and purpose, as seen in [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord"). Thirdly, the powerful pronouncements within this interlude heighten the sense of **Imminence of God's Plan and Judgment**, signaling that the final stages of prophetic fulfillment are rapidly approaching, leading towards the ultimate consummation of all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _krázō_):** This verb means to "croak" or scream, generally to call aloud, shriek, or entreat. In this context, it signifies a powerful, authoritative, and attention-demanding utterance, far beyond a simple shout. It conveys the intensity and significance of the angel's proclamation.
* **roareth (Greek, _mykáomai_):** Derived from a word meaning "to moo," this term specifically describes a deep, powerful bellow or roar, typically associated with large animals like cattle or, as here, a lion. Its application to the angel's voice emphasizes the sheer volume, force, and intimidating nature of the sound, akin to the raw power of a lion's dominion.
* **thunders (Greek, _brontḗ_):** Akin to a word meaning "to roar," this noun refers to thunder. In biblical contexts, thunder is frequently associated with the voice of God, divine power, and the manifestation of His presence or judgment. The plural "thunders" here suggests multiple, distinct, and powerful divine utterances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And cried with a loud voice":** This initiates the dramatic action. The angel's cry is not merely a sound but a forceful, public declaration, amplified by the descriptor "loud voice." This sets the tone for a momentous event, demanding attention from all who witness or hear of it.
* **"as when a lion roareth":** This powerful simile immediately conveys the nature of the angel's cry. A lion's roar is not just loud; it is majestic, terrifying, and indicative of supreme authority and power within its domain. This comparison elevates the angel's voice to a level of divine authority and significance, echoing the imagery of God's voice in the Old Testament.
* **"and when he had cried":** This clause indicates the completion of the angel's initial, singular roar, setting the stage for the subsequent event. It emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship: the angel's cry precipitates the response of the thunders.
* **"seven thunders uttered their voices":** Following the angel's roar, a distinct and mysterious phenomenon occurs: "seven thunders" speak. The number "seven" implies completeness or divine perfection, suggesting that these are not random sounds but a full, divinely orchestrated set of pronouncements. The phrase "uttered their voices" indicates articulate speech, not just noise, making their subsequent sealing even more profound.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 10:3 is rich in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, designed to evoke awe and a sense of divine power. The primary literary device employed is **Simile**, comparing the angel's voice to the roar of a lion ("as when a lion roareth"). This comparison is highly effective, immediately conveying immense power, authority, and an almost primal force, linking the angel's pronouncement to the dominion and majesty associated with a lion. Furthermore, the "seven thunders" function as **Symbolism**, representing a complete and powerful divine revelation. The fact that their message is sealed introduces an element of **Mystery**, a recurring motif in apocalyptic literature that underscores God's sovereign control over what is revealed and what remains hidden, challenging human curiosity and emphasizing the limits of human understanding in the face of divine omniscience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 10:3 profoundly underscores the themes of divine sovereignty and the nature of God's revelation. The angel's lion-like roar signifies an utterance of immense power and authority, echoing the very voice of God, which in the Old Testament is often associated with thunder and overwhelming might. The subsequent "seven thunders" represent a complete, divinely ordained message, yet one that is deliberately withheld from human understanding. This points to the theological truth that while God graciously reveals much of His will and plan to humanity, there are aspects of His counsel that remain hidden, known only to Him. This selective revelation serves to cultivate humility in believers, encouraging trust in God's perfect wisdom rather than demanding full comprehension of all His ways. It reminds us that God's plan unfolds according to His timing, and not all mysteries are meant for immediate disclosure.

* [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3-9 "Psalm 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord in Thunder"): Describes the overwhelming power and majesty of the Lord's voice, often associated with thunder, breaking cedars and shaking the wilderness, reinforcing the divine authority implied by the thunders.
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to God"): "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." This verse provides a foundational theological principle for understanding why the thunders' message is sealed.
* [Amos 3:8](/amos/3-8 "Amos 3:8 - The Lion Has Roared"): "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" This passage connects the roar of a lion directly to the authoritative voice of God, compelling a response, thus providing a powerful parallel to the angel's cry in Revelation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 10:3, with its dramatic imagery and profound mystery, offers believers a powerful invitation to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom. The unrecorded message of the seven thunders serves as a potent reminder that not all of God's plan is meant for our immediate comprehension. In a world that often demands full transparency and immediate answers, this verse calls us to embrace humility before the divine, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Our faith is not diminished by what remains hidden, but rather strengthened by our confidence in the character of the God who reveals what is necessary for our salvation and sanctification. We are encouraged to focus our attention and obedience on the vast and glorious truths God *has* revealed in His Word, rather than becoming consumed by speculation about what remains sealed. This fosters a posture of awe and reverence, recognizing the immense power and authority of our Creator, and trusting that He works all things, both revealed and unrevealed, for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of unrevealed divine mysteries, as seen with the seven thunders, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to demand full understanding from God, and how might embracing humility before His unrevealed wisdom bring peace?**
* **How does the imagery of the "lion's roar" impact your perception of God's power and authority in your life and in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why were the voices of the seven thunders sealed and not recorded by John?**

Answer: The sealing of the seven thunders' message, explicitly commanded in [Revelation 10:4](/revelation/10-4 "Revelation 10:4 - John is Commanded Not to Write"), signifies God's sovereign control over the timing and content of His revelation. It teaches us that not all divine truths are meant for human understanding or immediate disclosure. This act emphasizes that God reserves certain knowledge to Himself, reminding humanity of its finite nature and encouraging trust in His wisdom rather than demanding full comprehension of His intricate plans. It also highlights the selective nature of prophecy, where some details are withheld until their appointed time or are simply not for human ears.

**What do the "seven thunders" symbolize or represent?**

Answer: While their specific message remains sealed, the "seven thunders" symbolize a complete and powerful divine utterance. The number seven in Revelation often denotes completeness or perfection, suggesting that these thunders represent a full, divinely ordained revelation. Given the Old Testament association of thunder with the voice of God and divine judgment (e.g., [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord")), the thunders likely represent a series of powerful, authoritative pronouncements or judgments from God that are part of His ultimate plan but are not yet to be revealed to humanity.

**Who is the "mighty angel" in Revelation 10:3?**

Answer: The text identifies him as a "mighty angel" (Greek: _angelos ischyros_), first introduced in [Revelation 10:1](/revelation/10-1 "Revelation 10:1 - The Mighty Angel Descends"). While some interpreters have suggested this figure might be Christ due to the majestic description (clothed with a cloud, rainbow on head, face like the sun, feet like pillars of fire), the consistent designation as an "angel" throughout the passage (e.g., [Revelation 10:5](/revelation/10-5 "Revelation 10:5 - The Angel Swears an Oath")) strongly indicates he is a created, though exceptionally powerful, angelic being. His role is to deliver a divine message and facilitate the next stage of God's prophetic unfolding, acting as a messenger and agent of God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 10:3, though featuring an angel, points powerfully to Christ through its imagery and thematic implications. The angel's voice, likened to the "roar of a lion," immediately brings to mind Christ Himself, who is identified as the [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah") in Revelation. This title signifies His supreme authority, kingly power, and victorious nature, having conquered sin and death. Just as a lion's roar commands attention and signifies dominion, so Christ's voice, whether in judgment or salvation, carries ultimate authority. Furthermore, while the seven thunders utter a message that remains sealed, Christ is the ultimate and complete revelation of God. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Even as some mysteries remain hidden for a season, the essential truth of God's character and plan of salvation is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who holds the [keys of death and Hades](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys") and will ultimately bring all things to their appointed consummation. The unrevealed thunders serve to underscore that while Christ is the full revelation, God's sovereign plan still contains elements that will only be fully unveiled at Christ's [glorious return](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 31:4

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Joel 3:16

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Revelation 4:5

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Amos 1:2

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

Revelation 14:2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

Proverbs 19:12

¶ The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

Revelation 15:1

¶ And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.