Revelation 10:4

Authorized King James Version

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#3
ἐλάλησαν
G2980
had uttered
to talk, i.e., utter words
#4
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#6
βρονταί
G1027
thunders
thunder
#7
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#9
ἑαυτῶν,
G1438
their
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#10
ἔμελλον
G3195
I was about
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#11
γράψῃς
G1125
to write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#14
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#15
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#18
λέγουσαν
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#19
μοι,
G3427
unto me
to me
#20
Σφράγισον
G4972
Seal up
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
#21
ἃ
G3739
those things which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#22
ἐλάλησαν
G2980
had uttered
to talk, i.e., utter words
#23
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#25
βρονταί
G1027
thunders
thunder
#26
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#28
ταὐτὰ
G5023
them
these things
#29
γράψῃς
G1125
to write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection