Revelation 10:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 10:4 presents a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision where, after hearing the mysterious "seven thunders" utter their voices, he is about to record their message. However, a direct divine command from heaven intervenes, instructing him to "seal up" what the thunders proclaimed and to refrain from writing it down. This striking interdiction highlights God's absolute sovereignty over divine revelation, emphasizing that not all truths are meant for human comprehension or immediate disclosure, and underscores the profound mystery inherent in God's unfolding purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 10:4 is situated within a significant interlude in John's vision, specifically occurring between the sounding of the [sixth trumpet judgment](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Sixth Trumpet Judgment") and the [seventh trumpet judgment](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet Sounds"). The preceding verses (Revelation 10:1-3) describe the descent of a "mighty angel" of immense power and majesty, who holds a [small, open scroll](/revelation/10-2 "Revelation 10:2 - The Little Book"). This angel cries out, and in response, the "seven thunders" utter their distinct voices. John, as the divinely appointed visionary and scribe, instinctively prepares to record these utterances, a natural response given his commission to write down what he sees and hears throughout the book (e.g., [Revelation 1:11](/revelation/1-11 "Revelation 1:11 - John's Commission to Write")). The command to seal up the thunders' message stands in stark contrast to the earlier command to open the [seven-sealed scroll](/revelation/5-1 "Revelation 5:1 - The Seven-Sealed Scroll") in Revelation 5, signifying a deliberate withholding of information rather than its revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Apocalyptic literature, common in the intertestamental period and early Christianity, often features divine messengers, symbolic imagery, and the revelation of hidden truths. However, it also sometimes includes elements of partial or deferred revelation, as seen in the [book of Daniel](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Daniel's Sealed Prophecy"), where Daniel is instructed to seal up certain prophecies until "the time of the end." The concept of "sealing" could imply not only secrecy but also preservation for a future time or divine authentication. In the Greco-Roman world, official documents were often sealed to ensure their authenticity and to prevent tampering, and sometimes to keep their contents secret until an appointed time. John, writing from exile on Patmos, would have been familiar with such practices, giving the divine command a clear, authoritative weight.
* **Key Themes:** The most striking theme in this verse is **Divine Secrecy and Unrevealed Truths**. God's deliberate decision to withhold specific prophetic information from John, and by extension from humanity, underscores 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](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - God's Unsearchable Judgments"). Closely related is the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Revelation**. This act powerfully reminds us that divine revelation is dispensed according to God's perfect will and timing, not according to human curiosity or desire for complete knowledge. It establishes God as the sole authority over what is revealed and what remains hidden. Finally, **John's Obedience to Divine Command** is a crucial theme. Despite his natural inclination and prophetic duty to record, John immediately obeys the command to seal up the thunders' message. His swift submission emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine instruction, even when it means foregoing understanding or recording potentially vital information, demonstrating a model of trust in God's wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thunders (Greek, _brontḗ_):** This word (G1027) is akin to a verb meaning "to roar," directly translating to "thunder" or "thundering." In biblical contexts, thunder often accompanies divine manifestations, judgment, or the voice of God, signifying immense power, awe, and sometimes mystery (e.g., [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Thunder at Mount Sinai"), [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalm/29-3-9 "Psalm 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord")). Here, the "seven thunders" are distinct from God's voice, yet their utterances are significant enough to warrant sealing, implying a powerful, perhaps ominous, but ultimately unrevealed message related to divine action.
* **write (Greek, _gráphō_):** This primary verb (G1125) means "to grave," especially "to write," and figuratively "to describe." John's role throughout Revelation is that of a scribe, commanded to "write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter" ([Revelation 1:19](/revelation/1-19 "Revelation 1:19 - John's Commission")). His immediate impulse to write down the thunders' message underscores his diligence and understanding of his prophetic commission, making the subsequent command to *not* write all the more impactful.
* **Seal up (Greek, _sphragízō_):** Derived from "sphragis" (a signet or private mark), this verb (G4972) means "to stamp" for security or preservation, and by implication, "to keep secret" or "to attest." While it certainly means to conceal or keep hidden, it also carries connotations of divine preservation 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. The command "write them not" (G1125, G3361) is a firm, negative imperative, leaving no ambiguity about John's instruction to refrain from recording the message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices":** This clause introduces a mysterious and powerful phenomenon. The "seven thunders" are not explicitly identified, adding to the enigmatic nature of the scene. Their "voices" imply articulate communication, suggesting they convey a message of profound significance, likely related to divine judgment or revelation. The number seven, ubiquitous in Revelation, typically signifies completeness or perfection, suggesting these thunders represent a full and complete set of divine pronouncements.
* **"I was about to write":** This reveals John's immediate and natural response as the visionary scribe. Having been commanded to record all that he sees and hears, his instinct is to document the utterances of the thunders, recognizing their importance within the unfolding prophetic narrative. This highlights his obedience and diligence in his prophetic office.
* **"and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me":** This signifies a direct, authoritative divine intervention. The "voice from heaven" indicates that the command originates from God Himself or His immediate presence, superseding any previous instructions or John's own prophetic impulse. This underscores the ultimate authority of God over the scope and timing of revelation.
* **"Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.":** This is the core command of the verse. "Seal up" denotes concealment and preservation, indicating that the message is not to be revealed at this time, if ever, to humanity. The explicit negative imperative "write them not" leaves no room for ambiguity, directly countermanding John's intention and emphasizing God's prerogative to keep certain knowledge hidden. This serves as a powerful reminder that not all of God's counsel is revealed to humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 10:4 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is evident in the "seven thunders," which are not literal meteorological phenomena but rather symbolic entities whose "voices" convey an unrevealed divine message. Their number, "seven," reinforces the pervasive **numerology** in Revelation, often signifying completeness or divine perfection. The phrase "uttered their voices" could be seen as a form of **anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like speech to the thunders, though it more broadly implies a discernible, albeit mysterious, communication. The entire scene creates a sense of **dramatic irony** and **suspense**: a powerful revelation is hinted at, only to be immediately and deliberately withheld. This builds tension and emphasizes the profound mystery surrounding God's plans. Finally, the direct **divine command** to "Seal up... and write them not" serves as a powerful **imperative**, highlighting God's absolute authority and control over the flow of prophetic information, effectively drawing a boundary around human knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 10:4 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine sovereignty over revelation. It teaches us that God, in His infinite wisdom, chooses what to reveal, when to reveal it, and what to keep hidden. This is not arbitrary secrecy, but a demonstration of His perfect knowledge and control over the cosmic drama. The sealed message of the seven thunders serves as a powerful reminder that human 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, acknowledging that "the secret things belong to the Lord our God." This passage encourages humility before the vastness of divine wisdom and redirects our focus from what is unrevealed to the abundant truths God *has* graciously made known.

* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to God")
* [1 Corinthians 13:9-10](/1_corinthians/13-9-10 "1 Corinthians 13:9-10 - Partial Knowledge and Perfect Knowledge")
* [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Daniel's Sealed Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 10:4 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily encouraging a posture of humility and trust in the face of divine mystery. In an age where information is readily accessible and there's often a desire for complete knowledge, this verse serves as a crucial counter-cultural reminder that God's ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than our own ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")). We are called to trust God's character and purposes even when we do not fully comprehend His methods or His timeline, understanding that some truths are withheld for reasons known only to Him. 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, providing a sufficient guide for faith and practice. This passage 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, fostering a deeper reliance on His wisdom rather than our own limited understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Revelation 10:4 challenge our innate human desire for complete knowledge and understanding of God's plans?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or faith journey are you tempted to speculate about the "unrevealed things," and how can this verse encourage you to trust God's sovereignty instead?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to focus our spiritual energy on diligently studying and applying the revealed truths of Scripture, rather than pursuing unanswerable questions?**

### FAQ
**What are the "seven thunders" and why are their messages sealed?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly identify the "seven thunders," which contributes to their mysterious nature. They are generally understood to be symbolic, representing powerful, perhaps final, divine pronouncements or judgments that God chooses to keep secret. The command to "seal up" their message signifies that this particular revelation is not intended for human knowledge or disclosure at this time. This act underscores God's absolute sovereignty over what He reveals and what He withholds, demonstrating that not all of His plans or judgments are meant for human comprehension. It serves as a reminder that some aspects of divine truth remain hidden, either for a future time or simply as part of God's unsearchable wisdom ([Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - God's Unsearchable Judgments")).

**Does this verse imply that God keeps important secrets from His people, and if so, why?**

Answer: Yes, Revelation 10:4 clearly indicates that God intentionally withholds certain information, even from His most trusted prophets like John. This is not an act of malice or an attempt to deceive, but rather a demonstration of God's perfect wisdom and timing. There are "secret things" that "belong unto the Lord our God" ([Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to God")), while "those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children." The reasons for withholding information can include: protecting humanity from knowledge it is not yet ready to receive, preserving divine prerogatives, or simply because some truths are beyond human capacity to fully grasp. This passage encourages humility and trust in God's perfect plan, reminding us that He has revealed all that is necessary for salvation and for living a life pleasing to Him through His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 10:4 highlights God's sovereignty in *withholding* certain revelations, it paradoxically points to the ultimate and complete revelation found in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, prophets like Daniel were commanded to [seal up their prophecies](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Daniel's Sealed Prophecy") until the "time of the end." However, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the one who *opens* what was sealed, the [Lamb who is worthy to open the scroll](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lamb Opens the Scroll") in Revelation 5, thus inaugurating the full revelation of God's redemptive plan. Jesus Himself is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very embodiment of God's self-disclosure, through whom [no one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Declares God"). The mystery of God, hidden for ages, has now been [revealed in Christ](/ephesians/3-3-6 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery Revealed in Christ") through the Gospel, which proclaims salvation to all who believe. Thus, while some prophetic details remain veiled, the most crucial truth—God's love and redemptive purpose—is fully unveiled in Jesus, calling us to trust in the one who is the [Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), the beginning and end of all revelation. Our knowledge remains [in part](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part"), but we anticipate the day when we shall [see Him face to face](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face") and know fully, even as we are fully known.

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

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.