Revelation 16:9 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Though scorched, people curse God's name and refuse to repent and give Him glory.
What Does Revelation 16:9 Mean?
The scorched do not turn to God; they curse His name, even acknowledging that He holds power over the plagues. They see His hand clearly and still will not repent or give Him glory. Like Pharaoh, whose heart grew harder with each plague, judgment alone does not melt a fixed will.
Here is the tragedy at the heart of the chapter: suffering can drive a soul to God or away from Him, and these choose to harden. To 'give him glory' is the repentance God seeks, simply to acknowledge the truth and turn. The verse warns that hearts can grow so set that even undeniable evidence is twisted into accusation. It quietly urges the reader, while there is still day, to give God the glory and come home.
Revelation 16:9 in the Original Language
blasphemeo (βλασφημέω), 'blaspheme' -- to speak against God with contempt, the opposite of giving Him glory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 16:9
What does Revelation 16:9 mean?
Though scorched, people curse God's name and refuse to repent and give Him glory.