Revelation 10:4

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.

And {G2532} when {G3753} the seven {G2033} thunders {G1027} had uttered {G2980} their {G1438} voices {G5456}, I was about {G3195} to write {G1125}: and {G2532} I heard {G191} a voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} saying {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Seal up {G4972} those things which {G3739} the seven {G2033} thunders {G1027} uttered {G2980}, and {G2532} write {G1125} them {G5023} not {G3361}.

When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say,

“Seal up the things the seven thunders said,
do not write them down!”

When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”

And when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying, Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Context

Revelation 10:4 occurs during a significant interlude in John's apocalyptic vision, specifically between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments. In the preceding verses (Revelation 10:1-3), John witnesses a "mighty angel" descending from heaven, described with immense power and majesty, holding a small, open scroll or "little book". This angel cries out with a loud voice, and in response, "seven thunders" utter their own distinct voices. John, ever diligent in his role as the visionary scribe, immediately prepares to record what these thunders proclaimed, only to be halted by a direct divine command.

Key Themes

  • Divine Secrecy and Unrevealed Truths: The most striking theme is God's deliberate decision to withhold certain prophetic information from John and, by extension, from humanity. The command to "seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not" clearly indicates that not all divine truth is meant for human comprehension or disclosure at a given time. This highlights the unsearchable nature of God's judgments and ways.
  • God's Sovereignty in Revelation: This act underscores God's absolute control over what is revealed and what remains hidden. It serves as a powerful reminder that divine revelation is dispensed according to God's perfect will and timing, not according to human curiosity or desire for complete knowledge.
  • John's Obedience to Divine Command: John, the recipient of these profound and often overwhelming visions, immediately obeys the command to seal up the thunders' message. His quick submission emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine instruction, even when it means foregoing understanding or recording potentially vital information.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seal up" translates the Greek word sphragizo (σφραγίζω), which implies more than just secrecy. While it certainly means to conceal or keep hidden, it also carries connotations of divine preservation, authentication, and setting apart. These utterances are not lost or forgotten, but are reserved by God, perhaps for a future time known only to Him, or simply as part of His own unrevealed knowledge. This concept contrasts with the seven-sealed book in Revelation 5:1, which was sealed precisely so it could be opened and its contents revealed in due course. Here, the command "write them not" is a firm, negative imperative, leaving no ambiguity about John's instruction to refrain from recording the message of the thunders.

Practical Application

Revelation 10:4 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Humility and Trust in God's Wisdom: This verse encourages humility before the infinite wisdom of God. We are reminded that our understanding is finite, and there will always be aspects of God's plan and knowledge that remain mysteries to us. Our faith is called to trust God's character and purposes even when we do not fully comprehend His methods or His timeline.
  • Focus on the Revealed Truths: Instead of fixating on what is not revealed or engaging in endless speculation about unknown prophecies, believers are encouraged to diligently study and apply the truths that God *has* graciously made known through Scripture. The Bible contains all that is necessary for salvation, knowing God's character, and understanding His will for our lives.
  • Acceptance of Divine Boundaries: God sets the boundaries for revelation. This verse teaches us to accept that some information is beyond our grasp for now, and to rest in the assurance that God's plan is perfect, even when it includes unrevealed elements.
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.

  • Daniel 12:4

    But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

  • Daniel 8:26

    And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days.

  • Daniel 12:9

    And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

  • Deuteronomy 29:29

    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.

  • Revelation 22:10

    And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

  • Habakkuk 2:2

    And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

  • Habakkuk 2:3

    For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

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