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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 16:9 vividly portrays humanity's hardened response to divine judgment during the Great Tribulation. Despite being scorched by intense heat from the sun, people refuse to repent, instead choosing to blaspheme God, who holds ultimate power over these cataclysmic events.

Context

This verse is situated within the pouring out of the seven "bowl judgments" (also known as "vials of wrath") described in Revelation chapter 16. Specifically, it follows the fourth bowl, which causes the sun to scorch people with great heat (Revelation 16:8). This judgment, like those preceding it, is designed to elicit repentance, yet it consistently reveals the profound spiritual rebellion and impenitence of those who suffer, a pattern also observed after the trumpet judgments (Revelation 9:20-21).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse powerfully emphasizes God's absolute control and authority, explicitly stating that He "hath power over these plagues." This highlights His active role in judgment and His ultimate dominion over all creation.
  • Human Rebellion and Impenitence: Despite experiencing excruciating physical suffering ("scorched with great heat"), the response of humanity is not humility or turning to God, but active "blasphemy." This demonstrates a profound spiritual hardness and defiance that resists even overwhelming evidence of divine power.
  • The Nature of True Repentance: The phrase "repented not to give him glory" underscores that genuine repentance involves more than just a desire to escape suffering; it requires a fundamental change of heart that acknowledges God's rightful place, honors Him, and turns from sin to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "blasphemed" is eblasphēmēsan, which signifies speaking evil against, slandering, or reviling God. It indicates a deliberate and defiant act of contempt, directly contrasting with the act of "giving Him glory." The phrase "repented not" comes from ou metenoēsan, meaning they did not change their mind, their attitude, or their course of action. It points to a persistent refusal to turn from their wickedness, even when faced with the direct consequences of their sin.

Practical Application

Revelation 16:9 serves as a stark warning about the consequences of spiritual stubbornness and the futility of resisting God's sovereign will. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts: how do we respond when faced with difficulties, trials, or even divine discipline? Do we allow hardship to soften our hearts and lead us to true repentance, or do we become resentful and hardened? The verse reminds us that genuine repentance involves not just remorse for consequences, but a turning to God with a heart that seeks to honor and give Him glory.

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.

  • 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,

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back