Revelation 16:21

KJV

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there fell {G2597} upon {G1909} men {G444} a great {G3173} hail {G5464} out of {G1537} heaven {G3772}, every stone about {G5613} the weight of a talent {G5006}: and {G2532} men {G444} blasphemed {G987} God {G2316} because of {G1537} the plague {G4127} of the hail {G5464}; for {G3754} the plague {G4127} thereof {G846} was {G2076} exceeding {G4970} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And huge seventy-pound hailstones fell on people from the sky. But the people cursed God for the plague of hail, that it was such a terrible plague.

Berean Standard Bible

And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous.

American Standard Version

And great hail, every stone about the weight of a talent, cometh down out of heaven upon men: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof is exceeding great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:21 vividly depicts the climactic scene of the seventh bowl judgment, where an unprecedented and catastrophic hailstorm, with individual stones weighing approximately a talent, descends from heaven upon humanity. Despite the overwhelming and devastating nature of this divine plague, the unrepentant inhabitants of the earth respond not with humility or contrition, but with intensified blasphemy against God, highlighting the profound hardening of their hearts in the face of ultimate judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic conclusion to the series of seven bowl judgments, detailed in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath"). Following the preceding six bowls, which brought increasingly severe afflictions upon the earth—from grievous sores to the drying of the Euphrates River—the seventh bowl unleashes a final, comprehensive judgment. The declaration "It is done!" in [Revelation 16:17](/revelation/16-17 "Revelation 16:17 - The Seventh Bowl Poured Out") immediately precedes the thunder, lightning, earthquake, and this colossal hailstorm, signaling the completion of this phase of God's wrath and setting the stage for the subsequent downfall of Babylon and the final conflict. The narrative flow emphasizes a relentless progression of divine judgment, culminating in this overwhelming display of power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of hail as an instrument of divine judgment is deeply rooted in Old Testament narratives, such as the plague of hail in [Exodus 9:22-26](/exodus/9-22-26 "Exodus 9:22-26 - The Plague of Hail") against Egypt, or its use in the conquest of Canaan in [Joshua 10:11](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - Hailstones in Battle"). This would have resonated strongly with John's Jewish audience, who understood hail as a manifestation of God's power and wrath. The "talent" was a well-known unit of weight in the ancient world, varying but typically ranging from 60 to 100 pounds (approximately 27-45 kg). By specifying such an immense weight for each hailstone, John emphasizes the supernatural, unprecedented, and utterly devastating nature of this plague, far exceeding any natural phenomenon and underscoring its divine origin.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 16:21 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Revelation. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His righteous response to persistent human rebellion. The unprecedented scale of the hailstorm leaves no doubt regarding His omnipotence. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Unrepentant Rebellion**, echoing earlier passages like [Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Unrepentance After the Trumpet Judgments") where humanity, despite suffering, refuses to turn from their idolatry and evil deeds. This persistent blasphemy in the face of overwhelming judgment reveals the hardened spiritual condition of those who have rejected God. Finally, it contributes to the theme of the **Escalation of Plagues**, illustrating how God's judgments intensify progressively, culminating in a devastating climax that leaves no room for doubt about the finality and severity of His wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **talent (Greek, _talantiaîos'_):** Derived from *talanton*, this word literally means "talent-like in weight." A talent was an ancient unit of mass, typically weighing between 60 to 100 pounds (27-45 kg). The use of this term here emphasizes the extraordinary and supernatural nature of the hailstones, indicating they were not ordinary meteorological phenomena but divinely orchestrated missiles of immense destructive power, far beyond anything naturally occurring.
* **blasphemed (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** This verb signifies to "vilify," "speak impiously," or "revile." It denotes a defiant, hostile, and slanderous speaking against God, cursing Him, or deliberately dishonoring His name. In the context of Revelation 16:21, it highlights the profound spiritual rebellion and hardened hearts of humanity, who, even in the midst of overwhelming divine judgment, choose to express hatred and defiance towards the very God inflicting the plague, rather than seeking repentance.
* **plague (Greek, _plēgḗ'_):** Meaning "a stroke," "a wound," or figuratively, "a calamity." This term is consistently used throughout Revelation to describe the divine judgments or afflictions poured out upon the earth. Its repetition in this verse ("the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great") underscores the severe, painful, and destructive nature of this specific judgment, emphasizing its character as a divinely inflicted calamity designed to bring about a reckoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and target of the judgment. The hail is not a natural occurrence but a direct act from "heaven," signifying God's active involvement. Its "great" size hints at its unprecedented nature and destructive capacity, directly impacting "men," or humanity, indicating a widespread affliction.
* **"[every stone] about the weight of a talent":** This parenthetical detail provides the shocking scale of the hailstones. By specifying a weight equivalent to a talent (60-100 lbs), the text conveys an image of utterly devastating projectiles, transforming a natural phenomenon into a supernatural weapon. This emphasizes the extreme severity and unique nature of this final judgment, far surpassing any natural disaster.
* **"and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great":** This concluding clause reveals humanity's tragic and defiant response. Despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power and the immense suffering caused by the "exceeding great" plague, their hearts remain hardened. Instead of repentance, they engage in "blasphemy," actively reviling God. This highlights the profound spiritual blindness and stubborn rebellion of those who have chosen to reject God, demonstrating that even the most severe judgment does not automatically produce a change of heart.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:21 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most striking is **Hyperbole**, evident in the description of hailstones weighing "about the weight of a talent." This exaggeration is not meant to be a literal scientific measurement but serves to emphasize the unparalleled, supernatural, and utterly devastating scale of this divine judgment, making it clear that this is no ordinary storm. **Symbolism** is also at play, as hail, throughout biblical literature, often symbolizes divine judgment and wrath (e.g., in the plagues of Egypt). Here, it represents the final, crushing blow of God's indignation. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** in the human response: instead of prompting repentance, the extreme suffering leads to intensified blasphemy. This ironic twist underscores the deep spiritual depravity and hardened hearts of those who have chosen rebellion, revealing that even overwhelming pain cannot break a defiant will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:21 stands as a stark testament to the culmination of divine wrath against persistent human rebellion. It underscores the biblical truth that while God is merciful and patient, there is a limit to His forbearance, and a time of ultimate, irrevocable judgment awaits those who refuse to repent. The passage highlights the terrifying reality that even in the face of overwhelming evidence of God's power and the severity of His judgment, the human heart, when fully hardened, can choose defiant blasphemy over humble contrition. This unrepentant response reveals the profound spiritual blindness that characterizes those who have fully committed to rebellion against their Creator, emphasizing the critical importance of responding to God's grace while it is still available.

* [Exodus 9:22-26](/exodus/9-22-26 "Exodus 9:22-26 - The Seventh Plague of Hail in Egypt")
* [Isaiah 28:17](/isaiah/28-17 "Isaiah 28:17 - Hail Sweeps Away Refuge")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:21 presents a sobering picture of the consequences of unyielding rebellion against God, serving as a powerful call to introspection and a reminder of the urgency of spiritual discernment. It forces us to confront the reality that suffering, even on a catastrophic scale, does not inherently lead to repentance; rather, it often reveals the true inclination of the heart. For those who have chosen to harden themselves against God, judgment intensifies their defiance. This passage should provoke a deep gratitude for God's present patience and a renewed commitment to living in humble obedience. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we respond to life's difficulties with grumbling and blame, or with a spirit of humility and a desire to draw closer to God? The ultimate lesson is the profound danger of a hardened heart and the eternal wisdom of embracing God's grace and call to repentance while there is still time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the human response in Revelation 16:21 (blasphemy instead of repentance) challenge my assumptions about how people react to extreme suffering?**
* **In what ways might my own heart be subtly hardening against God's truth or His gentle leading, even in less dramatic circumstances?**
* **What specific actions can I take today to cultivate a more repentant and humble heart, responsive to God's warnings and grace?**

### FAQ

**Why does God send such a devastating plague if people only blaspheme Him more?**

Answer: The purpose of these plagues is not solely to elicit repentance, especially at this late stage of judgment. By this point in Revelation, humanity has repeatedly rejected opportunities to repent, as seen in [Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Unrepentance After the Trumpet Judgments") and [Revelation 16:9](/revelation/16-9 "Revelation 16:9 - Men Scorched by Sun, Still Unrepentant"). The plagues, including the hailstorm in [Revelation 16:21](/revelation/16-21 "Revelation 16:21 - The Great Hailstorm"), serve as a demonstration of God's righteous wrath and His absolute sovereignty over creation. They are a just consequence for persistent rebellion and idolatry, revealing the full extent of humanity's hardened hearts and God's unwavering commitment to justice. Even when judgment falls, those who are fully committed to sin will only intensify their defiance, proving the righteousness of God's ultimate condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 16:21 vividly portrays the terrifying culmination of God's wrath, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in the judgment itself, but in the ultimate deliverance from such judgment offered through Jesus Christ. The severity of this final plague underscores the immense cost of sin and the righteousness of God's judgment against it, driving home the profound necessity of a Savior. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, enduring the ultimate "plague" of divine judgment so that those who believe in Him might be spared from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). His sacrifice offers a way out of the unrepentant defiance seen in this verse, providing forgiveness and reconciliation for all who turn to Him in faith ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")). Thus, Revelation 16:21, in its stark depiction of unmitigated wrath, implicitly magnifies the unparalleled grace and mercy extended through Christ, who alone offers refuge from the coming storm ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

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

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Revelation 16:9

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

Joshua 10:11

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

Revelation 8:7

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Revelation 16:11

And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Isaiah 8:21

And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

Exodus 9:23

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.