Revelation 10:3

Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.

Study Bible

and he cried out
The phrase "cried out" in the Greek is "ἐκέκραξεν" (ekekraxen), which conveys a sense of urgency and authority. This is not a mere speaking but a powerful proclamation. In the context of Revelation, this cry is significant as it heralds a divine message. The act of crying out is often associated with prophets in the Old Testament, who would deliver God's messages to His people. This emphasizes the importance and divine origin of the message being delivered.

in a loud voice
The "loud voice" (Greek: "φωνῇ μεγάλῃ," phōnē megalē) signifies not only volume but also authority and power. In biblical literature, a loud voice often accompanies divine revelation or significant announcements. This is reminiscent of the voice of God at Sinai, which was so powerful that it caused the people to tremble (Exodus 19:16). The loudness underscores the importance of the message and ensures that it captures the attention of all who hear it.

like the roar of a lion
The comparison to "the roar of a lion" (Greek: "ὡς λέοντος μυκᾶται," hōs leontos mykatai) evokes imagery of strength, majesty, and fear. In the ancient world, the lion was a symbol of power and kingship. The roar of a lion is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, suggesting that the message being delivered is both authoritative and demands respect. This imagery aligns with the portrayal of Christ as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), emphasizing His sovereignty and power.

And when he cried out
This phrase marks a transition, indicating that the cry has an immediate effect. The repetition of the act of crying out highlights its significance and prepares the reader for the ensuing revelation. It suggests a cause-and-effect relationship, where the cry triggers a divine response.

the seven thunders
The "seven thunders" (Greek: "ἑπτὰ βρονταί," hepta brontai) are mysterious and not explicitly explained in the text. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that these thunders represent a complete or perfect revelation from God. Thunder is frequently associated with God's voice in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 29, where the voice of the Lord is described as powerful and majestic, like thunder.

sounded their voices
The phrase "sounded their voices" (Greek: "ἐλάλησαν τὰς ἑαυτῶν φωνάς," elalēsan tas heautōn phōnas) indicates that the thunders are not mere natural phenomena but have a communicative purpose. The use of "voices" suggests that they are conveying a message, though the content of this message is not revealed in the text. This adds to the mystery and awe of the passage, inviting readers to reflect on the hidden aspects of God's plan and the majesty of His revelation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Mighty Angel
This figure is described earlier in Revelation 10:1 as a powerful angel coming down from heaven, clothed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head. His appearance and actions signify authority and divine message.

2. The Roar of a Lion
The angel's loud voice is compared to a lion's roar, symbolizing strength, authority, and the power of God's word. In biblical symbolism, a lion often represents majesty and might.

3. The Seven Thunders
These are mysterious voices that respond to the angel's cry. Their exact message is not revealed in the text, indicating a divine mystery that is not meant to be disclosed at this time.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
The angel's voice, like a lion's roar, reminds us of the power and authority of God's word. We should approach Scripture with reverence and a readiness to obey.

The Mystery of God's Plan
The seven thunders represent aspects of God's plan that are not yet revealed. This teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when we do not understand everything.

The Call to Listen and Respond
Just as the thunders responded to the angel's cry, we are called to listen and respond to God's voice in our lives. This requires attentiveness and a willingness to act.

The Majesty of God's Revelation
The imagery of the lion's roar and thunders highlights the majesty and awe of God's revelation. We should cultivate a sense of wonder and worship in our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a lion's roar in Revelation 10:3 enhance your understanding of the authority of God's word?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and readiness to obey God's word in our daily lives?

3. How do the seven thunders in Revelation 10:3 challenge us to trust in God's plan, even when it is not fully revealed to us?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience in light of this passage?

5. How can the connection between Revelation 10:3 and other scriptures about God's voice (e.g., Amos 3:8, Psalm 29) deepen your understanding of His majesty and power?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 3:8
This verse speaks of the lion's roar and the fear it instills, paralleling the authority and power of God's voice as depicted in Revelation 10:3.

Psalm 29:3-9
This passage describes the voice of the Lord as powerful and majestic, similar to the thundering voices in Revelation 10:3.

Hosea 11:10
Here, God's voice is likened to a lion's roar, drawing His people to Him, which connects to the authoritative call of the angel in Revelation.