Revelation 10:7

KJV

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of the voice {G5456} of the seventh {G1442} angel {G32}, when {G3752} he shall begin {G3195} to sound {G4537},{G2532} the mystery {G3466} of God {G2316} should be finished {G5055}, as {G5613} he hath declared {G2097} to his {G1438} servants {G1401} the prophets {G4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

on the contrary, in the days of the sound from the seventh angel when he sounds his shofar, the hidden plan of God will be brought to completion, the Good News as he proclaimed it to his servants the prophets.”

Berean Standard Bible

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets.”

American Standard Version

but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then is finished the mystery of God, according to the good tidings which he declared to his servants the prophets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 10:7 marks a profound moment in John's apocalyptic vision, declaring that with the commencement of the seventh angel's trumpet blast, God's long-unfolding "mystery" will be brought to its definitive and perfect completion. This verse underscores the precise timing and absolute certainty of God's redemptive plan, affirming that its culmination will occur exactly as He has faithfully revealed through His chosen servants, the prophets, throughout history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 10:7 is situated within a crucial interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments, following the dramatic appearance of a mighty angel who descends from heaven with a small, open scroll. This angel, whose voice is like a roaring lion and who swears by the Creator that there will be "no more delay" ([Revelation 10:6](/revelation/10-6 "Revelation 10:6 - No More Delay")), sets the stage for the verse's declaration. The interlude serves to emphasize the divine certainty and finality of God's plan before the climactic events of the seventh trumpet unfold. John is commanded to eat the scroll, which is sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach, symbolizing the dual nature of God's revealed word—joyful in its promise but often difficult in its implications or the process of its fulfillment. This verse, therefore, acts as a divine announcement, preparing both John and the reader for the ultimate resolution of God's purposes that the seventh trumpet will initiate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written by John, likely during his exile on the island of Patmos, around the late 1st century AD, under the reign of Emperor Domitian. This period was marked by increasing persecution of Christians, who faced immense pressure to conform to Roman imperial cult worship. In this context, apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic visions, divine revelation, and a focus on cosmic conflict and ultimate divine victory, served to provide hope, encouragement, and a call to perseverance for believers suffering under oppression. The concept of a "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion'_) was understood in both Jewish and Hellenistic contexts, often referring to a secret or divine plan revealed to initiates. For John's audience, the "mystery of God" would resonate as God's hidden but now progressively revealed plan for salvation, judgment, and the establishment of His kingdom, offering assurance that despite present trials, God was sovereignly working out His purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 10:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, emphasizing that God's plan is not subject to human or demonic interference but unfolds according to His precise timetable. The declaration of "no more delay" ([Revelation 10:6](/revelation/10-6 "Revelation 10:6 - No More Delay")) preceding this verse underscores God's absolute authority over time and events. Another key theme is the **Culmination of God's Redemptive Plan**, as the "mystery of God" being "finished" speaks to the ultimate resolution of sin, evil, and suffering, and the full establishment of God's righteous rule. This connects to the New Testament understanding of God's eternal purpose in Christ, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - The Mystery of God's Will") and [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Revealed"). Finally, the verse powerfully highlights the **Reliability and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, affirming that the end-time events are not arbitrary but are the faithful execution of what God "hath declared to his servants the prophets" throughout history. This echoes the consistent biblical testimony to God's faithfulness to His word, as articulated in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Prophets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mystery (Greek, _mystērion'_):** From G3466, this term refers to a secret or divine purpose that is revealed by God, rather than something inherently unknowable or discoverable by human reason. In the New Testament, it often denotes a truth previously hidden or only partially disclosed, now made known through divine revelation. Its "finishing" implies the full disclosure, realization, and consummation of this divine secret.
* **finished (Greek, _teléō'_):** From G5055, this word means to end, complete, execute, or conclude. It carries the strong sense of being brought to a perfect completion or consummation, implying a definitive and final end to the unfolding of God's redemptive and prophetic program. It's not merely a cessation, but a bringing to the intended goal or purpose.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** From G4396, this term refers to a foreteller or an inspired speaker. In this context, it specifically points to those chosen by God throughout history, particularly in the Old Testament, to receive and declare His divine word and future plans. The declaration that God "hath declared to his servants the prophets" underscores the continuity and consistency of God's revelation across generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound":** This clause precisely pinpoints the timing of the momentous event. It specifies that the culmination of God's plan is not a vague future occurrence but is tied to the commencement of the seventh angel's trumpet blast, indicating a divinely ordained and unalterable schedule. The "voice" and "sound" emphasize the audible and public nature of this pivotal moment, signaling a transition to the final phase of God's judgments and redemptive acts.
* **"the mystery of God should be finished":** This is the core declaration of the verse. The "mystery of God" refers to God's previously hidden or partially revealed divine plan concerning salvation, the defeat of evil, the establishment of His kingdom, and the ultimate restoration of all things. The verb "should be finished" (a future passive indicative, implying divine necessity and certainty) signifies that this grand, overarching purpose will be brought to its ultimate, perfect, and definitive completion. It implies the full actualization of God's will for creation and humanity.
* **"as he hath declared to his servants the prophets":** This final clause provides the authoritative basis and assurance for the preceding declaration. It emphasizes God's faithfulness and the reliability of His revealed word. The completion of the mystery will occur exactly "as" (in the manner and according to the substance) God has previously made known through His chosen messengers, the prophets, throughout the ages. This affirms the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament through to the New, highlighting that the end-time events are the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 10:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "seventh angel" and his "sound" representing a definitive, climactic moment in God's eschatological timeline, signaling the ultimate transition to His final reign. The "mystery of God" functions as a profound **Metaphor** for God's hidden yet unfolding divine plan, encompassing His redemptive and judicial purposes for all creation. The phrase "as he hath declared to his servants the prophets" serves as a form of **Intertextuality** or **Allusion**, grounding the immediate apocalyptic vision in the broader prophetic tradition of the Old Testament and affirming the continuity of God's revelation. This also reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness**, as God is portrayed as one who perfectly executes what He has promised. The verse's declarative tone contributes to a sense of **Divine Decree**, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unalterable nature of God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 10:7 unveils a profound theological truth: God's ultimate plan for history, salvation, and judgment is not arbitrary or subject to chance, but is a divinely ordained "mystery" that will be brought to a perfect completion at a precise, pre-determined time. This "finishing" of the mystery encompasses the full realization of God's redemptive purposes, including the defeat of all evil, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, and the restoration of a new heaven and new earth. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all of creation and history, assuring believers that despite present chaos or suffering, His ultimate will shall prevail exactly as prophesied. This provides immense comfort and hope, anchoring faith in a God who is both faithful to His word and sovereign in His execution of it.

* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")
* [Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "Romans 16:25-26 - The Revelation of the Mystery")
* [Ephesians 3:9-11](/ephesians/3-9-11 "Ephesians 3:9-11 - The Mystery Hidden in God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 10:7 offers profound reassurance and a call to steadfast faith in a world often marked by uncertainty and despair. Knowing that the "mystery of God" will be "finished" by His precise timing reminds us that God is sovereignly orchestrating all events toward His glorious purposes. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of peace, enabling us to trust His perfect plan even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It encourages us to live with an eschatological hope, understanding that the present suffering is temporary and that a definitive end to evil and the full establishment of God's righteous kingdom are certain. Furthermore, the verse's emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy should bolster our confidence in the absolute trustworthiness and infallibility of God's Word. As God has faithfully declared His will through the prophets and is bringing it to pass, we can rely fully on every promise and warning in Scripture, allowing it to shape our worldview, priorities, and daily walk. This verse calls us to patient endurance, active obedience, and a joyful anticipation of Christ's ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty that God's "mystery" will be "finished" impact your perspective on current global events or personal struggles?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust God's timing, even when His plans seem delayed or unclear from a human perspective?**
* **How does the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your faith in the Bible's authority and truthfulness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in light of God's ultimate victory and the certain culmination of His redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**What is "the mystery of God" referred to in Revelation 10:7?**

Answer: In biblical terms, especially in the New Testament, a "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion'_) does not mean something unknowable or incomprehensible. Instead, it refers to a divine truth or plan that was previously hidden or only partially revealed, but is now being disclosed by God. In Revelation 10:7, "the mystery of God" encompasses His entire redemptive purpose for humanity and creation, including the defeat of evil, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, the salvation of His people, and the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ. It is the comprehensive unfolding of God's will throughout history, which will reach its final, complete realization at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. This mystery is deeply connected to Christ Himself, as seen in passages like [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - The Mystery of God, Christ").

**How does Revelation 10:7 relate to Old Testament prophecy?**

Answer: Revelation 10:7 explicitly states that the mystery of God will be finished "as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." This directly links the culmination of God's plan in the New Testament apocalyptic vision to the prophetic declarations found throughout the Old Testament. It affirms that the end-time events are not random or new, but are the precise and faithful fulfillment of what God has spoken through His chosen messengers over centuries. This emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the reliability of His revealed word across both testaments. It assures us that God is true to His promises and brings to pass what He has foretold, echoing the principle found in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - The Lord Reveals His Secret to His Prophets").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 10:7, while situated in an apocalyptic vision, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mystery of God" that is to be "finished" is, at its very core, the mystery of Christ Himself and His redemptive work. Paul reveals that the "mystery" is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")), and that God's will is "to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - The Mystery of God's Will")). The sounding of the seventh angel's trumpet signals the final phase of God's plan, which culminates in the full establishment of Christ's kingdom, a kingdom inaugurated by His first coming, secured by His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")), and brought to consummation at His glorious return. The prophets declared a Messiah who would suffer and reign ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"); [Psalm 110](/psalm/110 "Psalm 110 - The Lord's Anointed")), and Revelation 10:7 assures us that every facet of that prophetic declaration, culminating in the defeat of all evil and the full reign of God, will be perfectly "finished" through Christ's ultimate triumph, leading to the declaration that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever!" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 3:21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.