Revelation 10:3
and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text specifies "the seven thunders," not just any thunders. This distinct phrasing suggests they were a specific, known body of divine pronouncements, not merely random noise, even though their content remains hidden from us. Their precise number and the definite article point to them being a significant, ordered part of God's communication, just like the other "sevens" in Revelation.
In this vision, a powerful angel descends from heaven, announcing something of immense significance with a voice like a roaring lion. Immediately following his cry, seven thunders sound out their own distinct voices, a mysterious phenomenon that John is instructed to seal up and not write down. This dramatic sequence sets the stage for a further divine revelation about God's ongoing plan.
Imagine an angel, powerful and authoritative, crying out with a voice like a roaring lion. What does this imagery reveal about God's messengers and His message?
The description of the angel crying out "with a loud voice, like a lion roaring" isn't just about noise; it's about power and divine authority.
The Lion's Might
The lion is often seen as the king of the beasts, representing strength, courage, and even royalty. When the angel's voice is compared to a lion's roar, it conveys an immense, awe-inspiring power.
Divine Proclamation
This isn't a weak or hesitant message. It's a bold proclamation designed to command attention and convey divine truth or judgment. Many prophets in the Old Testament also had their messages amplified by God's voice, often likened to a lion's roar, showing this is a consistent way God communicates His power and intent.
The Messenger's Authority
This powerful voice signals that the message being delivered is of utmost importance, carrying the weight and authority of heaven. It's a call that cannot be ignored.
Seven thunders sound out, but their message is sealed. What does this hidden prophecy tell us about God's plans and our understanding of them?
The "seven thunders" are a fascinating, yet mysterious, element of this vision. While their specific words are never revealed, their presence and the manner of their utterance speak volumes.
Distinct Divine Voices
The text specifies "the seven thunders" and that they uttered "their voices" (or "their own voices"). This suggests they are not a single chaotic noise, but distinct messages or pronouncements from God. The number seven itself often signifies completeness or divine perfection.
Sealed and Unreveveladed
Crucially, John is told to seal up what the thunders said (Revelation 10:4). This means their content remains hidden from us. This withholding of information is significant. It highlights that God's plans and judgments are not always fully revealed to us, even when they are part of His unfolding purposes.
Understand the original words
leōn · Greek Noun
A biblical figure often representing strength, sovereignty, and the authority of the 'Lion of the Tribe of Judah,' signifying power and impending judgment.
brontē · Greek Noun
In apocalyptic literature, thunder frequently represents the voice of God, signaling majesty, divine authority, and the announcement of imminent judicial action.
The thunderous pronouncements and lion-like roar in Revelation 10 likely resonated deeply with a first-century audience facing the immense destruction of Jerusalem and the growing power of Rome, symbolizing God's powerful, even terrifying, response to worldly empires and rebellion.
c. 30 BC - AD 15
Roman Consolidation of Power
Rome solidifies its dominance over the Mediterranean world, including Judea, creating a tense political and social landscape for early Jewish communities.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which formed the foundation of the early Christian movement.
c. 40-60 AD
Expansion of Early Christianity
The Christian faith spreads rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, encountering both acceptance and persecution.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, leading to the first major imperial persecution and martyrdoms, including Peter and Paul.
c. 66-73 AD
This passage describes God roaring like a lion, a powerful image of His authority and judgment, mirroring the angel's lion-like cry in Revelation.
Psalm 29:3The 'voice of the Lord' thundering over the waters is a significant Old Testament parallel to the seven thunders, suggesting a divine and awe-inspiring pronouncement.
Isaiah 42:13God is depicted as going forth like a mighty warrior, shouting like a soldier, which echoes the powerful, commanding cry of the angel in Revelation.
Jeremiah 25:30This verse describes God's roar from His holy dwelling, emphasizing His powerful voice that will judge and shake the earth, aligning with the angel's impactful cry.
ellicottRevelation 10:3: "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices."
(3) And cried with a loud voice . . . —Better, and he cried with a loud voice, even as a lion roareth. Another token of the presence of Christ with the Church. The voice is the voice of a courage and strength derived from Him who is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” And when he had cried . . .—Translate, and when he cried, the seven thunders (notice, not seven thun…
pulpitRevelation 10:3: "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices."
Verse 3 - And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth; and be cried with a great voice, as a lion roareth (Revised Version). What the angel cried we are apparently not told. Probably the whole incident is intended merely to set forth the powerful and terrible nature of the messenger who is to deliver God's message. The figure is a very common one with the p…
The text specifies "the seven thunders," not just any thunders. This distinct phrasing suggests they were a specific, known body of divine pronouncements, not merely random noise, even though their content remains hidden from us. Their precise number and the definite article point to them being a significant, ordered part of God's communication, just like the other "sevens" in Revelation.
In this vision, a powerful angel descends from heaven, announcing something of immense significance with a voice like a roaring lion. Immediately following his cry, seven thunders sound out their own distinct voices, a mysterious phenomenon that John is instructed to seal up and not write down. This dramatic sequence sets the stage for a further divine revelation about God's ongoing plan.
In this vision, a powerful angel descends from heaven, announcing something of immense significance with a voice like a roaring lion. Immediately following his cry, seven thunders sound out their own distinct voices, a mysterious phenomenon that John is instructed to seal up and not write down. This dramatic sequence sets the stage for a further divine revelation about God's ongoing plan.
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A Part of God's System
These thunders are presented as another significant element within God's divine, symbolic system in Revelation, alongside the seals, trumpets, and vials. Their inclusion, even if sealed, marks them as important components of God's communication, even if their full meaning is beyond our grasp for now.
First Jewish-Roman War
A massive Jewish revolt against Roman rule culminates in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in AD 70, a catastrophic event for Judaism.
c. 95 AD
Composition of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is written by the Apostle John, likely while in exile on the island of Patmos, during a period of intense Roman pressure on the church.
"and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded." — The text specifies "the seven thunders," not just any thunders. This distinct phrasing suggests they were a specific, known body of divine pronouncements, not merely random noise, even though their c…
