And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

REVELATION 16:9KJV
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Revelation 16:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 16:9 mean?

Revelation 16:9 describes people suffering from intense heat during a time of judgment, yet instead of turning to God, they curse His name and refuse to repent or honor Him. The verse highlights a stubborn refusal to change or acknowledge God’s authority, even in the face of clear and overwhelming hardship.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where God’s judgments are poured out on the earth as plagues. Here, people are experiencing one of these plagues—great heat—but rather than seeking mercy or changing their ways, they react with anger and defiance toward God. This moment shows the depth of human resistance and the seriousness of the judgments being described.

The Greek behind Revelation 16:9

  • "Blasphemed" (ἐβλασφήμησαν, eblasphēmesan): This word means to speak evil of or insult, especially in a way that dishonors God. The Greek here emphasizes not just anger, but a direct attack on God’s reputation.
  • "Repented" (μετενόησαν, metenoēsan): This word means to change one’s mind or turn around. The verse stresses that even after suffering, the people do not have a change of heart or attitude toward God.
  • "Glory" (δόξαν, doxan): In this context, giving God glory means recognizing His greatness and authority. The refusal to give Him glory underlines their continued rebellion.

Why Revelation 16:9 matters

  • Revelation 16:9 clears up the idea that suffering always leads people to repentance; here, even severe hardship does not soften hearts, but instead leads to more defiance.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Revelation: God’s authority over all things, including judgment, and the human response to that authority.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing a pattern—despite repeated opportunities, people persist in rejecting God, which explains the ongoing judgments described in the book.

Where else these words appear

“heat” Greek G2738 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

“scorched” Greek G2739 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
  • Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  • Revelation 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

“plagues” Greek G4127 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
  • Revelation 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

“these” Greek G5025 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
  • Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
  • Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.