New Testament
Revelation 9:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Nor did they repent of their murders, their sorceries, their fornication, or their thefts.
Compare translations
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
What Revelation 9:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 9:21, the text highlights the stubbornness of people who, despite experiencing severe judgments, refuse to turn away from their sinful behaviors. The mention of murders, sorceries, fornication, and thefts indicates a range of moral failures and societal corruption. This refusal to repent signifies a deep-seated rebellion against God, showing that even in the face of divine warnings, some individuals choose to persist in their wrongdoing. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin and the hardness of the human heart when confronted with truth. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's faults and seeking forgiveness rather than continuing down a destructive path. The context of this passage is a part of the apocalyptic vision where humanity faces dire consequences for their actions, yet many remain unyielding in their ways, illustrating the tragic reality of spiritual blindness and the need for genuine repentance.
How to apply Revelation 9:21 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we may be resistant to change. It encourages us to seek repentance and turn away from behaviors that are harmful to ourselves and others. Acknowledging our faults is the first step toward healing and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 9:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 9:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 9:21 mean?
Revelation 9:21 means that despite facing severe consequences, people refuse to repent from their sins, such as murder, sorcery, fornication, and theft. This highlights a stubbornness and rebellion against God, showing how some individuals choose to continue in their wrongdoing even when warned.
What is the significance of repentance in Revelation 9:21?
The significance of repentance in Revelation 9:21 is that it illustrates the refusal of people to turn away from their sinful actions despite experiencing divine judgment. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's faults and the consequences of unrepentant sin.
What are the sins mentioned in Revelation 9:21?
The sins mentioned in Revelation 9:21 include murders, sorceries, fornication, and thefts. These represent a range of moral failures and societal corruption that people continue to engage in without remorse.
How does Revelation 9:21 relate to human behavior?
Revelation 9:21 relates to human behavior by showing how individuals can become spiritually blind and resistant to change, even when faced with dire consequences. It serves as a reminder of the need for self-examination and the willingness to seek forgiveness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.