What does Revelation 10:4 mean?

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. Revelation 10:4

Explanation

Revelation 10:4 is part of a larger apocalyptic vision received by the Apostle John and recorded in the Book of Revelation. In this particular verse, John starts to write what the seven thunders—often interpreted as divine voices—have said, when a voice from heaven commands him not to record those messages. This request to “seal up” the messages suggests that the content of what the seven thunders uttered should remain a mystery. The verse highlights themes of divine secrecy and the idea that some aspects of the divine plan are not meant to be known to humans until the appropriate time.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, around 95 A.D. The text is a product of its time, with many scholars suggesting that its cryptic and symbolic language may have been a response to the persecution of early Christians in the Roman Empire. The use of apocalyptic literature allowed for coded messages that could be understood by the intended audience while obscuring the meaning from potential persecutors.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Revelation 10:4 in varying ways:

• Preterist View: Some theologians might argue that the events described occurred in John’s contemporary times and that the sealed messages could relate to judgments specific to that era which were not relevant for future generations.
• Historicist View: Those who ascribe to this interpretation might see the sealing as indicative of particular events in church history that were meant to be concealed until they occurred.
• Futurist View: This perspective might suggest that the sealed messages refer to future events that are beyond human understanding and are reserved for God’s knowledge alone until the end times.
• Spiritual or Idealist View: According to this viewpoint, the seven thunders symbolize timeless truths or spiritual judgments that are not necessary for humans to know and are part of a divine reality beyond the text.

Practical Applications

While the verse discusses sealing up divine mysteries, it also serves as a metaphor for the understanding that not all knowledge is accessible or beneficial to humans at any given time. Believers can apply this by:

• Acknowledging and respecting the limitations of human understanding.
• Trusting in the divine plan even when full comprehension is not possible.
• Exercising discretion in what is shared and what is kept in confidence, following the heavenly directive to John.

Cross-References

• Daniel 12:4 – “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end…” Here, Daniel is also instructed to seal up a vision until a specific time, paralleling John’s experience.
• Revelation 22:10 – “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Unlike Revelation 10:4, at the end of the Book of Revelation, John is instructed not to seal the prophecy, suggesting a time for revelation.
• Isaiah 29:11 – “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed…” This references a sealed book of vision, similar to the sealed words of the seven thunders.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as “seal up” is “σφραγίζω” (sphragizō), which means to seal for security or preservation. This sealing implies authority and intention, suggesting the divine origin and purpose of the command. The use of “seal” indicates that the content is to be kept secret and undisclosed until the appropriate time designated by God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of sealing up knowledge or divine messages has parallels in other ancient religious and mythological traditions. In many cultures, certain knowledge was considered sacred and was often concealed from the general public, revealed only to initiates in mystery religions or esoteric traditions. Furthermore, in various myths, the gods would often keep certain secrets from humans, sometimes until they proved themselves worthy or the time was deemed right.

Scientific Perspectives

A scientific perspective might find it challenging to engage with the metaphorical and supernatural imagery of Revelation directly. However, science does acknowledge the concept of unknown knowledge or “unknown unknowns” in the realm of discovery. In a manner akin to the sealed messages of the thunders, there are many aspects of the universe that remain mysterious to scientists, awaiting the right theories, tools, or revelations that could unlock their understanding.

Commentaries

Varied exegetical commentaries on Revelation 10:4 reflect the theological diversity in interpreting apocalyptic literature:

• Some commentaries suggest that the “seven thunders” represent a divine declaration that was contextually specific to John’s time and not necessary for the church at large.
• Others propose that the sealing of the thunders’ messages underscores the sovereignty of God over revelation and the idea that not all prophetic insights are intended to be shared.
• It has also been interpreted allegorically, signifying that the church is to focus on revealed truth rather than becoming preoccupied with speculation about unrevealed mysteries.

Different experts emphasize the need for humility in approaching apocalyptic texts, acknowledging both their richness and their intrinsic obscurity.