Revelation 16:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} men {G444} were scorched {G2739} with great {G3173} heat {G2738}, and {G2532} blasphemed {G987} the name {G3686} of God {G2316}, which {G3588} hath {G2192} power {G1849} over {G1909} these {G5025} plagues {G4127}: and {G2532} they repented {G3340} not {G3756} to give {G1325} him {G846} glory {G1391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People were burned by the intense heat; yet they cursed the name of God, who had the authority over these plagues, instead of turning from their sins to give him glory.

Berean Standard Bible

And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:9 powerfully depicts the unyielding rebellion of humanity in the face of escalating divine judgment during the Great Tribulation. Despite experiencing excruciating torment from the sun's scorching heat, people stubbornly refuse to repent and turn to God. Instead, their response is one of defiant blasphemy against the very God who sovereignly controls these cataclysmic plagues, demonstrating a profound spiritual hardness that resists even overwhelming evidence of His power and wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the apocalyptic narrative of [Revelation chapter 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowl Judgments"), specifically following the pouring out of the fourth of the seven "bowl judgments" (also known as "vials of wrath"). The preceding verse, [Revelation 16:8](/revelation/16-8 "Revelation 16:8 - The Fourth Bowl Judgment"), describes the sun being given power to scorch humanity with intense heat, setting the immediate stage for the reaction documented in verse 9. This sequence of judgments, like the earlier trumpet judgments, consistently reveals a pattern of escalating divine wrath met with persistent human impenitence, as seen in [Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Persistent Impenitence After Trumpet Judgments"), underscoring the theme of humanity's hardened heart even under extreme duress.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of scorching heat and plagues would have resonated deeply with ancient audiences familiar with natural disasters and the concept of divine retribution, particularly the plagues of Egypt recounted in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt"). In the Roman world, where emperor worship was prevalent and blasphemy against the gods (or the emperor as divine) was a serious offense, the idea of "blaspheming the name of God" would have carried significant weight, signifying a direct, defiant insult against the ultimate divine authority. John's original audience, facing persecution for their faith, would have understood this portrayal of impenitence as a stark contrast to the faithful endurance and repentance called for in the early church.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 16:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute control and authority over all creation and His active role in executing righteous judgment, as He "hath power over these plagues." This contrasts sharply with the theme of **Human Rebellion and Impenitence**, which highlights humanity's profound spiritual hardness and defiance. Despite experiencing excruciating physical suffering, the response is not humility or turning to God, but active "blasphemy," demonstrating a stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's rightful place. This refusal also underscores the **Nature of True Repentance**, revealing that it involves more than merely a desire to escape suffering; it requires a fundamental change of heart that acknowledges God's glory and turns from sin to Him, a turning notably absent here.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blasphemed (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** From _blasphēmos_, meaning to vilify or speak impiously. In this context, it signifies a deliberate and defiant act of contempt, speaking evil against God, slandering, or reviling Him. It is a direct and active rebellion against divine authority, contrasting sharply with the act of "giving Him glory."
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be permitted," this word denotes privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery. Here, it refers to God's absolute authority, jurisdiction, and sovereign control over the plagues. It underscores that these judgments are not random occurrences but are under His direct and deliberate command.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of _dokéō_ (to seem, to think), meaning "glory" as something very apparent, a manifestation of dignity, honor, praise, or worship. To "give Him glory" means to acknowledge His inherent worth, majesty, and rightful dominion, offering Him the honor and worship due to Him. The refusal to give glory, therefore, is a profound act of spiritual rebellion and a denial of God's supreme nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And men were scorched with great heat":** This clause describes the direct physical consequence of the fourth bowl judgment. The intensity of the heat is emphasized by "great," indicating a severe and widespread torment. This suffering is not merely discomfort but a searing pain, designed to draw attention to the divine hand behind it.
* **"and blasphemed the name of God":** Despite the intense suffering, humanity's response is not humility or repentance, but defiance. To "blaspheme the name of God" signifies a deliberate and active verbal assault against His character, authority, and very being. This is a profound act of spiritual rebellion, choosing to curse rather than seek mercy from the source of their torment.
* **"which hath power over these plagues":** This crucial parenthetical clause highlights the divine sovereignty behind the judgments. It explicitly states that God is not a passive observer but the active orchestrator who possesses ultimate "power" or authority over these catastrophic events. This makes the blasphemy even more egregious, as it is directed at the very one who could alleviate their suffering, yet is instead defied.
* **"and they repented not to give him glory":** This final clause reveals the ultimate spiritual tragedy. The purpose of divine judgment is often to lead to repentance, a change of mind and heart that results in turning to God. However, here, humanity's impenitence is absolute. Their refusal to repent is inextricably linked to their refusal to "give Him glory," meaning they refuse to acknowledge His rightful place, honor Him, or worship Him as the sovereign Lord. Their stubbornness is not merely a lack of remorse, but an active rejection of God's rightful claim to their worship and submission.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very suffering intended to prompt repentance instead hardens hearts and elicits blasphemy against the source of the judgment. This creates a stark and tragic contrast. The phrase "scorched with great heat" serves as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the torment, while also functioning as **Symbolism** for divine wrath and judgment. The entire verse is built on **Contrast**: the contrast between God's immense "power" and humanity's utter powerlessness, and the profound contrast between the expected response (repentance and glory) and the actual response (blasphemy and impenitence). This stark juxtaposition underscores the depth of human rebellion and the gravity of God's righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:9 stands as a chilling testament to the profound spiritual depravity of humanity when confronted with divine judgment without a repentant heart. It underscores the biblical truth that suffering, by itself, does not automatically lead to repentance; rather, it often exposes the true condition of the heart. The refusal to "give God glory" is a core theological issue, reflecting humanity's inherent tendency to suppress the truth about God and exchange His glory for something else, as articulated in [Romans 1:21](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21 - Not Glorifying God"). This verse also highlights God's unwavering sovereignty, even in judgment, affirming that He retains ultimate "power over these plagues." The impenitence described here sets a grim stage for the final consummation of God's wrath and the ultimate triumph of His justice.

* [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4-5 "Romans 2:4-5 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Love of Darkness Over Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:9 serves as a profound and sobering warning, not just about the future judgments, but about the human heart's capacity for stubborn rebellion. It challenges us to deeply examine our own responses to trials, difficulties, and even divine discipline in our lives. When faced with hardship or consequences, do we allow them to humble us and lead us to genuine repentance, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking to honor Him? Or do we, like those in Revelation, become resentful, hardened, and prone to blaming or even cursing God? True repentance is not merely regret for consequences but a fundamental change of mind and heart that leads to a turning towards God and a desire to "give Him glory" in all circumstances. This verse reminds us that the ultimate tragedy is not the suffering itself, but the refusal to be transformed by it into a posture of worship and submission to the One who holds all power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with difficult circumstances or suffering in my own life? Is my first inclination to blame, or to seek God?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "give God glory" in my daily life, especially when things are challenging?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's call to repentance, perhaps subtly or unconsciously?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is soft and responsive to God's leading, even when His ways are difficult or painful?**

### FAQ
**Why do people blaspheme God instead of repenting, even when facing such severe judgment?**

Answer: Revelation 16:9 illustrates the profound spiritual hardening of the human heart, a theme consistent throughout biblical narrative. Despite overwhelming evidence of God's power and the direct experience of His judgment, those described here choose rebellion over repentance. This is not due to a lack of information or a misunderstanding of God's power, as the text explicitly states He "hath power over these plagues." Instead, it points to a deep-seated spiritual depravity and a willful rejection of God's authority and glory. This hardened state is often a culmination of a lifetime of resisting God, where even divine kindness is rejected, leading to an increased capacity for impenitence, as seen in [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4-5 "Romans 2:4-5 - Hardness of Heart"). Their choice to blaspheme rather than repent is a desperate, defiant act of a will utterly set against God, preferring darkness to light ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Love of Darkness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 16:9, with its grim portrayal of humanity's refusal to give God glory, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity in Revelation 16 stubbornly withholds glory from God even under judgment, Christ perfectly glorified the Father through His obedience, life, death, and resurrection. He is the one who perfectly embodied what it means to "give Him glory," even to the point of death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Furthermore, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering the very repentance that humanity in Revelation 16:9 refuses. His sacrifice makes true repentance possible, allowing sinners to turn from their blasphemy and rebellion to receive forgiveness and new life. In Him, all authority and "power" are given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")), and it is to Him that "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")). The ultimate hope for humanity is not found in their own ability to repent under duress, but in the redemptive work of Christ, through whom alone true glory can be given to God and salvation obtained.

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 2:21

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 16:21

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.

Luke 13:5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Revelation 16:10

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,