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:
Revelation 9:20 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Revelation describes a group of people who experience plagues sent as punishment, yet do not repent of their sinful actions. These individuals continue to engage in idol worship, turning to false gods made of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood. The verse emphasizes that these idols are powerless as they cannot see, hear, or walk. This highlights the futility of worshiping material objects instead of the one true God. The message conveyed is a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of not turning away from sinful practices. It serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual devotion over material possessions and to seek salvation through genuine repentance.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Revelation, the lack of repentance by those who have experienced the plagues reveals a profound spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. Despite witnessing the devastation caused by these plagues, these individuals continue to worship false gods made by their own hands. The list of materials used to craft these idols - gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood - underscores the futility of worshiping objects that are incapable of seeing, hearing, or walking. Through a theological lens, this verse highlights the inherent dangers of idolatry and the consequences of refusing to turn back to the one true God. The word "repentance" calls for a change of heart and a turning away from worshiping created things instead of the Creator. This verse serves as a stark warning about the consequences of persisting in rebellion against God despite the clear signs of His judgment.
Revelation 9:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk:
World English Bible
The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn’t repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn’t worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk.
Douay-Rheims
And the rest of the men, who were not slain by these plagues, did not do penance from the works of their hands, that they should not adore devils and idols of gold and silver and brass and stone and wood, which neither can see nor hear nor walk:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the remnant of the men which were not killed by these plagues, repented not of the works of their handes that they should not worship deuils, and idoles of golde and of siluer, and of brasse, and of stone, and of wood, which neither can see, neither heare nor goe.