Revelation 9:21

KJV

Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G2532}{G3756} repented they {G3340} of {G1537} their {G846} murders {G5408}, nor {G3777} of {G1537} their {G846} sorceries {G5331}, nor {G3777} of {G1537} their {G846} fornication {G4202}, nor {G3777} of {G1537} their {G846} thefts {G2809}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nor did they turn from their murdering, their involvement with the occult and with drugs, their sexual immorality or their stealing.

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, they did not repent of their murder, sorcery, sexual immorality, and theft.

American Standard Version

and they repented not of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:21 concludes a vivid depiction of the sixth trumpet judgment, revealing a profoundly disturbing human response to overwhelming divine wrath: a complete and shocking lack of repentance. Despite witnessing catastrophic plagues that decimated a third of humanity, the survivors remained stubbornly entrenched in their idolatry and a litany of grievous sins—murders, sorceries, fornication, and thefts—demonstrating an extreme hardening of heart and a defiant refusal to turn from their evil ways, even in the face of unmistakable divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the description of the sixth trumpet judgment, where a vast demonic cavalry, released from the Euphrates, slays a third of humanity ([Revelation 9:13-19](/revelation/9-13-19 "Revelation 9:13-19 - The Sixth Trumpet Judgment")). The preceding verse, [Revelation 9:20](/revelation/9-20 "Revelation 9:20 - Humanity's Unrepentance After Plagues"), explicitly states that "the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands." Verse 21 then serves as a chilling amplification and specification of this unrepentance, detailing the specific categories of moral and spiritual depravity that humanity clung to. It underscores the profound spiritual blindness and hardened will of those who reject God, even when confronted with the most undeniable evidence of His power and judgment. This section highlights the escalating nature of divine judgment alongside the escalating stubbornness of humanity, setting the stage for further judgments and the eventual culmination of God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sins listed in [Revelation 9:21](/revelation/9-21 "Revelation 9:21 - Unrepentant Sins") were rampant in the Greco-Roman world of John's day, reflecting the moral decay and spiritual darkness that characterized pagan society. "Murders" (φόνος) could refer to literal killings, but also to the widespread violence, oppression, and disregard for human life prevalent in an empire built on conquest and slavery. "Sorceries" (φαρμακεία) was deeply intertwined with pagan worship, magic, and the occult, often involving the use of drugs (hence "pharmacy") to induce altered states for divination or communication with spirits, directly opposing the worship of the one true God. "Fornication" (πορνεία) encompassed all forms of sexual immorality, including prostitution, adultery, and incest, which were commonplace and often linked to temple prostitution in pagan cults. "Thefts" (κλέμμα) points to pervasive dishonesty, greed, and disregard for justice and property rights, reflecting a breakdown of societal integrity. John's audience would recognize these as characteristic sins of the idolatrous and corrupt world system that stood in opposition to God and His people.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 9:21](/revelation/9-21 "Revelation 9:21 - Unrepentant Sins") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Humanity's Stubborn Rebellion and Unrepentance**. Despite experiencing unprecedented divine judgments, humanity's will remains fixed against God, illustrating the depth of human depravity and the profound spiritual blindness that prevents turning to God. This echoes themes found in the Old Testament, such as Pharaoh's hardened heart in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"), and prophetic warnings against unrepentance in [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Refusal to Repent"). Another prominent theme is the **Nature and Pervasiveness of Sin**, particularly the specific categories listed: violence, occult practices, sexual immorality, and greed. These are not merely individual transgressions but represent systemic moral corruption and spiritual rebellion, often linked to idolatry as seen in [Revelation 9:20](/revelation/9-20 "Revelation 9:20 - Idolatry and Unrepentance"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Justice and Patience of God**, demonstrating that while God executes judgment, He also patiently waits for repentance, yet there comes a point where human resistance reaches its climax, revealing the ultimate consequences of rejecting His gracious call, as also seen in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repented (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** From G3340, meaning "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction)." This word signifies a fundamental change of mind, a turning from one's former way of thinking and acting, accompanied by a moral shift and regret for past actions. In the context of [Revelation 9:21](/revelation/9-21 "Revelation 9:21 - Unrepentant Sins"), the absence of this repentance despite overwhelming divine judgment underscores the profound spiritual hardening of humanity. It is not merely a superficial sorrow but a deep, transformative reorientation of one's will towards God.
* **sorceries (Greek, _pharmakeía'_):** From G5331, meaning "medication ('pharmacy'), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively)." While the root refers to the use of drugs, in the biblical context, especially in Revelation, it carries the strong connotation of magical arts, enchantments, and occult practices. This often involved the use of potions or drugs to induce trances or visions for the purpose of divination, pagan worship, or manipulation, directly linking it to idolatry and demonic influence. Its inclusion here highlights humanity's reliance on illicit spiritual power outside of God.
* **thefts (Greek, _klémma'_):** From G2809, meaning "stealing (properly, the thing stolen, but used of the act)." This refers to acts of stealing, robbery, and illicit acquisition of property. Its presence in this list of egregious sins demonstrates that even amidst cosmic judgments, basic moral failures related to covetousness and disregard for others' rights persist. It points to a fundamental breakdown of justice and ethical conduct, reflecting a self-centeredness that prioritizes personal gain over righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither repented they":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the central theme of the verse: the shocking and defiant lack of a change of heart or mind among the survivors. Despite the cataclysmic judgments they have just endured, there is no turning away from their sinful ways, no remorse, and no turning towards God. This highlights the depth of human stubbornness and rebellion against divine authority.
* **"of their murders":** This refers to the sin of taking human life unlawfully, reflecting a profound disregard for the sanctity of life. In a broader sense, it can also encompass acts of violence, oppression, and hatred that lead to the destruction of others, whether physically or spiritually. Its inclusion signifies a pervasive culture of violence and animosity.
* **"nor of their sorceries":** This points to the practice of magic, occult arts, and the use of drugs for illicit spiritual purposes. It signifies a reliance on demonic powers or deceptive spiritual forces rather than the true God, often intertwined with idolatry. This reveals a spiritual rebellion that seeks power and knowledge through forbidden means, rejecting God's sovereignty.
* **"nor of their fornication":** This encompasses all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, prostitution, and any sexual activity outside the bounds of God's design for marriage. It speaks to a pervasive breakdown of moral boundaries and a pursuit of illicit physical gratification, demonstrating a disregard for purity and covenant.
* **"nor of their thefts":** This refers to the act of stealing, robbery, and dishonesty in acquiring possessions. It signifies a widespread lack of integrity, greed, and a disregard for justice and the property rights of others. This points to a societal decay where self-interest and illicit gain supersede ethical conduct and communal well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:21 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its grim message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated use of "nor of their" (Greek: οὔτε ἐκ) before each listed sin. This anaphoric structure creates a relentless, emphatic rhythm that highlights the comprehensive and unwavering nature of humanity's unrepentance. It builds a cumulative sense of their stubborn refusal to abandon *any* of their evil practices, making the refusal to repent even more pronounced. This repetition also functions as a **Catalogue** or **List**, systematically detailing the specific categories of sin that characterize the unrepentant. By itemizing "murders," "sorceries," "fornication," and "thefts," the text provides concrete examples of the moral and spiritual depravity, making the abstract concept of "unrepentance" tangible and horrifying. Finally, there is a powerful **Juxtaposition** between the severity of the divine judgments described in the preceding verses and the utter lack of change in human behavior. This stark contrast amplifies the depth of human rebellion and the shocking resilience of sin in the face of overwhelming evidence of God's power and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:21 stands as a stark theological commentary on the profound depth of human depravity and the stubborn resistance of the fallen will to God. It shatters any notion that mere external pressure or even cataclysmic judgment will automatically lead to repentance. Instead, it reveals that true repentance is a work of the heart, a turning that must be willing, and without it, even divine judgment can harden rather than soften. This verse underscores that humanity's problem is not merely ignorance of God's power, but a deep-seated rebellion against His moral authority and a preference for sin over righteousness. It serves as a sobering reminder of the eschatological reality that not all will repent, even in the face of the most undeniable evidence of God's existence and judgment, highlighting the critical importance of a personal, internal transformation.

* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28-32 "Romans 1:28-32 - God's Judgment on Unrighteousness"): This passage describes God giving humanity over to a debased mind, resulting in a similar list of pervasive sins, demonstrating the progression of unrepentance and its consequences.
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance"): This verse emphasizes God's patience, "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," making the unrepentance in Revelation 9:21 even more tragic in light of God's gracious character.
* [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Refusal to Repent"): The prophet Jeremiah lamented, "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," echoing the same theme of hardened hearts.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:21 presents a chilling mirror for self-examination, reminding us that the human heart, left to its own devices, possesses an astonishing capacity for stubbornness and resistance to God, even in the face of undeniable truth and severe consequences. It challenges us to consider whether we, too, might be clinging to "our murders" (our hatreds, our violence of speech or spirit), "our sorceries" (our attempts to control life through means apart from God, our reliance on anything other than His Spirit, our flirtations with the occult), "our fornication" (our sexual impurities, our lusts), or "our thefts" (our dishonesty, our greed, our taking what is not ours, whether material or relational). This verse serves as a powerful call to a continual posture of repentance for believers, recognizing that spiritual hardening is a subtle and dangerous process. It urges us to be quick to acknowledge sin, to turn from it decisively, and to embrace God's grace for transformation, rather than defiantly clinging to patterns that lead to destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly resisting God's call to repentance, perhaps clinging to a "favorite" sin despite clear conviction?**
* **How does the concept of "sorceries" (pharmakeia) manifest in modern society, and am I inadvertently participating in or condoning practices that seek power or knowledge outside of God?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to cultivate a heart that is soft and responsive to God's warnings and His gracious call to turn from sin?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about human nature and the effectiveness of external pressures (like suffering or judgment) in bringing about true spiritual change?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't the people in Revelation 9:21 repent despite experiencing such terrible plagues?**

Answer: The text indicates a profound spiritual hardening and a defiant will. It's not that they lacked information or experience of God's power, but that their hearts were unwilling to change. This illustrates a key biblical truth: repentance is not merely a reaction to external circumstances but a choice of the will, often enabled by God's grace. Their refusal to repent, even after witnessing a third of humanity perish, demonstrates the ultimate depth of human rebellion against God and a preference for their sinful ways and idolatry over submission to divine authority. This aligns with other biblical accounts where people harden their hearts against God, such as Pharaoh in the book of [Exodus](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart").

**What does "sorceries" (pharmakeia) specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: While the Greek word *pharmakeia* (φαρμακεία) is the root of our English word "pharmacy" and can refer to the use of drugs, in the biblical context, especially in Revelation, it primarily denotes the practice of magic, enchantment, and occult arts. This often involved the use of drugs or potions to induce trances or visions for pagan worship, divination, or communication with spirits. It signifies a reliance on supernatural powers outside of God, seeking control or knowledge through illicit, demonic means, and is closely associated with idolatry and deception, as seen in [Revelation 18:23](/revelation/18-23 "Revelation 18:23 - Babylon's Sorceries").

**Are the sins listed in Revelation 9:21 still relevant today, and how?**

Answer: Absolutely. The sins of "murders, sorceries, fornication, and thefts" are timeless manifestations of human depravity and rebellion against God's moral law. "Murders" extends beyond literal killing to include all forms of violence, hatred, and disregard for human life. "Sorceries" encompasses not just ancient magic but any reliance on spiritual powers apart from God, including New Age practices, occultism, and seeking control through manipulation or illicit means. "Fornication" represents all forms of sexual immorality and the breakdown of God's design for sexuality. "Thefts" includes not only literal stealing but also greed, dishonesty, and exploitation. These sins continue to plague societies worldwide, demonstrating that human nature remains unchanged and that the call to repentance is as urgent today as it was in John's time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 9:21, with its bleak portrayal of unrepentant humanity, powerfully underscores the absolute necessity of Jesus Christ. The stubborn refusal of those in the vision to turn from their murders, sorceries, fornication, and thefts reveals the depth of human sin and the inability of judgment alone to transform the heart. This dire spiritual condition highlights the profound need for a Savior who can not only atone for such pervasive sin but also empower genuine repentance. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers the very repentance that humanity in Revelation 9:21 so tragically rejects. His death on the cross addresses the guilt of every sin listed, from the shedding of innocent blood to the spiritual rebellion of sorcery, the moral decay of fornication, and the injustice of theft. Through His resurrection, He offers new life and the power of the Holy Spirit to break the chains of these very sins, enabling a true change of mind and heart ([metanoéō](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repentance for Forgiveness")). The Gospel, centered on Christ, is God's ultimate answer to humanity's hardened heart, offering not just judgment but also the gracious invitation to forgiveness and transformation for all who will believe and turn to Him ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Call to Repentance"); [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Commands All to Repent")). He is the only one who can truly deliver us from the power and consequences of these destructive sins, leading us into a life of righteousness and true freedom.

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 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

2 Corinthians 12:21

[And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 17:2

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

Revelation 18:23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Revelation 18:24

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.