Revelation 10:3

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

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}.

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

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.

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

Revelation 10:3 vividly describes a powerful moment within John’s vision, as a mighty angel cries out with an authoritative voice, likened to the roar of a lion, followed by the mysterious utterance of seven thunders. This verse immediately precedes a command to John not to record what the thunders said, adding an element of divine mystery to the unfolding prophetic narrative.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets in the Book of Revelation. The figure crying out is the "mighty angel" introduced in Revelation 10:1, who descends from heaven clothed with a cloud, a rainbow upon his head, and a little open book in his hand. His roar signifies a momentous declaration, drawing attention to the profound events about to unfold concerning the little book and the future of prophecy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Power: The comparison of the angel's voice to a "lion roareth" immediately conveys immense power and divine authority. Just as a lion's roar commands attention and signifies its dominion, so too does this angelic cry underscore the weighty nature of the divine message being proclaimed. This imagery also subtly connects to Christ, who is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
  • Unrevealed Mysteries: The most intriguing aspect of this verse is the "seven thunders" that utter their voices. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in Revelation. The fact that John is immediately commanded in Revelation 10:4 to seal up what the thunders said and not write it highlights that not all divine revelation is meant for human understanding or immediate disclosure. This reminds us of God's sovereign control over what is revealed and what remains hidden.
  • Imminence of Judgment and Fulfillment: The powerful cry and the subsequent thunders contribute to the sense of an impending climax in God's plan, signaling that crucial events are on the horizon, moving towards the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "roareth" is mykaomai (μυκάομαι), which describes a deep, powerful bellow or roar, often associated with cattle or large beasts. Applying it to a lion emphasizes the sheer volume and impact of the sound. The "seven thunders" (βρονταί, brontai) are reminiscent of the voice of God in the Old Testament, often described with thunderous power, such as in Psalm 29:3 where "The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth." This reinforces the divine origin and significance of the sounds, even if their specific message remains sealed.

Practical Application

Revelation 10:3, despite its mysterious elements, offers several practical insights for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: We are reminded that God is in complete control, even over information that is not revealed to us. We can trust His wisdom in what He chooses to disclose and what He chooses to keep hidden for His purposes.
  • Focus on the Revealed Word: While some mysteries remain, the vast majority of God's plan and His character are clearly communicated in the Bible. Our focus should be on understanding and obeying what He *has* revealed, rather than speculating endlessly on what remains sealed.
  • Reverence for Divine Power: The imagery of the lion's roar and the thunders instills a sense of awe and reverence for the immense power and authority of God and His angelic messengers. This encourages a humble and worshipful posture before Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back