If the “seven thunders” speak words that remain sealed (Revelation 10:4), how can we reconcile that with the Bible’s claim to reveal truth?

1. Introduction to the Seven Thunders

Revelation 10:3–4 describes a dramatic moment when “the seven thunders” utter their voices. John, the writer of Revelation, begins to record what he hears but is then divinely instructed: “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” This passage raises a question: if the Bible is intended to reveal truth, why would there be a message that remains hidden and sealed?

2. Immediate Context of Revelation 10

In the broader context, Revelation 10 depicts a mighty angel holding a small scroll and proclaiming with a loud voice. John sees and hears awe-inspiring events tied to redemptive history and the final judgments. The angel’s actions reflect the gravity of God’s unfolding plan.

John explicitly receives a command not to share the details spoken by these thunders. Revelation 10:4 records this uncommon restriction: “And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.’”

3. Biblical Precedent for Sealed Revelations

Throughout Scripture, certain truths or visions are at times deliberately withheld from public record. For example, in Daniel 12:4, the prophet is told: “But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end.” Similarly, the apostle Paul mentions an occasion when he “heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:4).

These examples illustrate that it is neither a new nor contradictory idea for certain revelations to be explicitly withheld, even when Scripture overall serves to reveal God’s truth. Not every specific detail of divine revelation is intended for immediate human comprehension or dissemination.

4. The Nature of Biblical Revelation

The Bible universally proclaims truth sufficient for salvation, moral guidance, and spiritual growth (2 Timothy 3:15–17). Its primary focus is revealing who God is, how we can be reconciled to Him, and how we may live according to His will.

Deuteronomy 29:29 underscores that “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.” This core principle affirms that believers receive everything necessary for faith and practice, yet certain “secret things” remain solely within God’s domain.

5. Reconciling a Sealed Message with Revealed Truth

The presence of sealed content in Revelation 10 does not undermine the Bible’s claim to reveal truth. Rather, it clarifies that Scripture includes all knowledge essential for humanity’s redemption and relationship with God, but does not claim to divulge every aspect of His eternal counsel.

What is revealed in Scripture is entirely trustworthy, accurate, and sufficient for leading people to salvation and godly living. The fact that John is instructed to seal up the words of the seven thunders indicates there are dimensions of God’s plan that He has chosen not to make public at this time. Such an action preserves the coherence of God’s revelation: we can trust that what we have in the canonical text is complete for its divine purpose, even if some details remain veiled.

6. The Purpose of the Sealing

The instruction to seal specific words serves several functions in God’s redemptive storyline:

• Demonstrates God’s Sovereignty – It affirms that God reveals and withholds knowledge according to His perfect will and timing.

• Emphasizes Humanity’s Dependent Trust – Believers are encouraged to rely fully on the revelations God has provided. Trust involves accepting that God may choose when and how to disclose additional details of His plan.

• Preserves Mystery to Ignite Hope – Scripture often reserves certain divine mysteries to remind us that we are finite, and our ultimate hope rests in God’s revealed promises. Believers are stirred to be vigilant and faithful, knowing there is more to God’s plan than we can now comprehend.

7. Implications for Our Understanding of Truth

1. God’s Self-Disclosure is Purposeful

The Bible presents consistent, cohesive truths necessary for redemption and worship. The sealed portions in no way dilute or negate the clarity and efficacy of the rest of Scripture.

2. Not All Knowledge is Essential for Salvation

The central message of the gospel—that through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)—there is salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9) remains the focus. Any information withheld does not compromise this foundational truth.

3. Believers Are Encouraged to Remain Humble

The presence of a sealed message fosters humility, reminding us that finite minds cannot fully grasp the infinite. Rather than creating confusion, it reassures us that God’s knowledge is beyond all human limitations.

8. Conclusion

The command to seal up the words spoken by the seven thunders in Revelation 10:4 underscores that God can and does withhold certain details of His plans. This does not conflict with the Bible’s overarching claim to reveal truth. Scripture comprehensively reveals what is necessary for individuals to come to a saving knowledge of God and to walk in obedience.

Any hidden or sealed portions highlight the divine prerogative to disclose truth in accordance with God’s perfect sovereignty and timing. Far from undermining the reliability of Scripture, this passage amplifies the reality that all crucial truths regarding God’s character, plan of salvation, and our hope in Christ are fully laid out for us, while some elements of His majestic purposes remain sealed—held securely within His wisdom for a future time.