New Testament
Revelation 10:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 10:4, John, the author of Revelation, hears the voices of seven thunders and is eager to record their message.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
After the 7 thunders spoke, I was about to write down what they said. But a voice from heaven told me, "Seal up what the 7 thunders said. Don't write it down."
And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 10:4, John, the author of Revelation, hears the voices of seven thunders and is eager to record their message. However, he is instructed by a voice from heaven to seal up what the thunders said and not to write it down. This moment highlights the mystery of divine revelation and the limits of human understanding. The thunders symbolize powerful truths or judgments that are not meant for public knowledge at this time. The command to seal the message suggests that some aspects of God's plan are intentionally hidden from humanity, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and timing. This passage reminds us that not all divine messages are meant to be revealed or understood immediately, and it encourages believers to accept the mysteries of faith with humility and patience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 10:4 to your life
This verse teaches us to accept that not all knowledge is meant for us to understand. We should trust in God's plan and timing, even when we encounter mysteries in our faith. Embracing the unknown can deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What do the seven thunders represent in Revelation 10:4?
The seven thunders in Revelation 10:4 symbolize powerful truths or judgments that are significant but not meant for public knowledge at that time. They represent aspects of God's divine revelation that remain mysterious and hidden from humanity, emphasizing the limits of human understanding in the face of divine wisdom.
Why was John instructed not to write down the message of the thunders?
John was instructed not to write down the message of the seven thunders to highlight that some divine revelations are intentionally kept secret. This command signifies that certain aspects of God's plan are beyond human comprehension and are meant to remain undisclosed, reminding believers to trust in God's timing and wisdom.
How can Revelation 10:4 apply to my daily life?
Revelation 10:4 encourages us to accept that not all knowledge is meant for us to understand. In our daily lives, we may encounter situations where we face uncertainty or mystery. This verse teaches us to trust in God's plan, embrace the unknown, and deepen our faith, knowing that some things are beyond our understanding.
What does sealing up the message mean in a biblical context?
Sealing up the message in Revelation 10:4 indicates that certain revelations are reserved for a specific time or purpose. In a biblical context, sealing often implies protection, confidentiality, or the completion of a divine plan. It reminds believers that God has control over what is revealed and when, encouraging patience and trust in His timing.
The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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