### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **brontḗ**, represented by `{{G1027}}`, is defined as **thunder**. Akin to a word meaning "to roar," it appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses**. This term is predominantly used in scripture to describe the powerful, audible manifestation of divine presence and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1027}}` is almost exclusively found in passages depicting heavenly events. In the book of Revelation, **thunderings** are described as proceeding from the throne of God, alongside lightnings and voices [[Revelation 4:5]]. This phenomenon accompanies significant divine actions, such as when the temple of God is opened in heaven [[Revelation 11:19]] or when an angel casts a censer of fire to the earth [[Revelation 8:5]]. The word is also used metaphorically to describe the immense volume of a heavenly voice, which is compared to the sound of a great **thunder** [[Revelation 14:2]] and the voice of a great multitude [[Revelation 19:6]]. A notable occurrence outside of Revelation is in [[Mark 3:17]], where James and John are given the surname Boanerges, meaning "The sons of **thunder**."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are frequently associated with `{{G1027}}`, often appearing together to describe scenes of divine power:
* `{{G796}}` **astrapḗ** (lightning; by analogy, glare): This word for **lightning** is a common companion to **thunder**, appearing together in phrases like "**lightnings** and thunderings" to signal a major divine event ([[Revelation 4:5]], [[Revelation 11:19]]).
* `{{G5456}}` **phōnḗ** (noise, sound, voice): Often found in the same passages, this word for **voice** can be either an element alongside **thunder** [[Revelation 8:5]] or the very thing being compared to **thunder** for its power [[Revelation 14:2]]. The seven thunders themselves utter **voices** [[Revelation 10:3]].
* `{{G4578}}` **seismós** (a commotion... an earthquake, tempest): Events of divine judgment in Revelation often include **thunderings** and an **earthquake** ([[Revelation 11:19]], [[Revelation 16:18]]), indicating a cataclysmic upheaval.
* `{{G5464}}` **chálaza** (hail): This term for **hail** is another element of judgment that appears with **thunderings**, lightnings, and an earthquake when the heavenly temple is opened [[Revelation 11:19]].
* `{{G993}}` **Boanergés** (sons of commotion): This Chaldee-origin word is explicitly defined as "The sons of **thunder**" and is the surname given to James and John [[Mark 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1027}}` is linked to its use as a symbol of divine authority and awesome power.
* **Divine Majesty:** **Thunderings** that proceed directly from the throne of God establish the sound as an attribute of His majestic and fearsome presence [[Revelation 4:5]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The consistent appearance of **thunder** during the apocalyptic events of Revelation marks it as a component of God's judgment upon the earth ([[Revelation 8:5]], [[Revelation 16:18]]).
* **A Heavenly Voice:** The power of God's voice, or the voice of the heavenly host, is so great that only the sound of **thunder** is a fitting comparison ([[Revelation 14:2]], [[Revelation 19:6]]).
* **Sealed Revelation:** The "seven **thunders**" utter specific messages that John is forbidden to record, suggesting that **thunder** can be a vehicle for divine communication, even if its contents are not meant for all to know [[Revelation 10:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1027}}` transcends its literal meaning of a natural phenomenon. In scripture, **brontḗ** is a key piece of apocalyptic imagery, representing the raw power, majesty, and judgment of God. From being an expression of the heavenly realm to an epithet for two apostles, the word consistently conveys a sense of awe-inspiring and formidable force, underscoring the gravity of divine communication and action.
TRV