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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 49
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 49
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πληγαῖς
plagues
G4127
πληγαῖς
plagues
Strong's:
G4127
Word #:
11 of 49
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
ταύταις
G3778
ταύταις
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 49
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μετενόησαν
repented
G3340
μετενόησαν
repented
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
14 of 49
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 49
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
the works
G2041
ἔργων
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
17 of 49
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρῶν
hands
G5495
χειρῶν
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
19 of 49
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτῶν
G846
αὐτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 49
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
22 of 49
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
προσκυνήσωσιν
they should
G4352
προσκυνήσωσιν
they should
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
23 of 49
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 49
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἴδωλα
idols
G1497
εἴδωλα
idols
Strong's:
G1497
Word #:
27 of 49
an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 49
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
31 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
33 of 49
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
34 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
36 of 49
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
37 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
39 of 49
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
40 of 49
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
42 of 49
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Daniel 5:23But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:Deuteronomy 31:29For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.Acts 19:26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:Revelation 9:21Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;Acts 7:41And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.Jeremiah 1:16And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.Acts 17:29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.Psalms 106:37Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,Jeremiah 5:3O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 9:20 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
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, a... This verse from Revelation's vision of fifth and sixth trumpets - demonic torment and massive army, unrepentant humanity employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.