And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

REVELATION 16:11KJV
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Revelation 16:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 16:11 mean?

Revelation 16:11 describes people suffering from painful sores who respond by cursing God instead of turning away from their wrong actions. Even though they are experiencing severe pain, they refuse to change their behavior or seek forgiveness.

This verse is part of a vision where John describes the effects of God’s judgment being poured out on those who oppose Him. The people’s reaction—blaspheming God and not repenting—shows their hardened attitude, even in the face of suffering. The verse highlights a moment where, despite clear consequences, people persist in their rebellion rather than seeking mercy.

The Greek behind Revelation 16:11

  • βλασφήμησαν (blasphemed, G987): This Greek word means to speak evil of or insult. In this verse, it shows that the people are not just complaining but actively speaking against God, which deepens the sense of their rejection.
  • μετενόησαν (repented, G3340): This word means to change one’s mind or turn around. The verse points out that even after suffering, the people do not have a change of heart or direction.
  • πόνοις (pains, G4192) and ἐλκοῖς (sores, G1668): These words refer to physical suffering. Their use emphasizes that the judgment is not just spiritual but also involves real, bodily pain.

Why Revelation 16:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that suffering alone does not always lead people to repentance; sometimes it hardens them further.
  • The emphasis on blaspheming God highlights the depth of resistance and pride in the human heart, even when confronted with consequences.
  • In the wider context of Revelation 16, this verse shows a pattern: repeated opportunities to turn back are met with stubbornness, underlining the seriousness of the choices being made.

Where else these words appear

“pains” Greek G4192 · used in 3 verses

  • 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,
  • Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

“sores” Greek G1668 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

“repented” Greek G3340 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

“blasphemed” Greek G987 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
  • Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.