Revelation 16:11

and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds.

Study Bible

and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores.
This phrase highlights the hardened hearts of those experiencing the plagues described in Revelation. The act of cursing God reflects a deep-seated rebellion and refusal to acknowledge His sovereignty, even in the face of divine judgment. The "God of heaven" is a title emphasizing God's supreme authority and power over all creation, contrasting with the earthly and temporal nature of human suffering. The "pains and sores" are likely a reference to the first bowl of wrath in Revelation 16:2, where those who worship the beast receive grievous sores. This mirrors the plagues of Egypt in Exodus, where Pharaoh's heart was hardened despite witnessing God's power. The refusal to turn to God in repentance, even when faced with suffering, underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the end times.

Yet they did not repent of their deeds.
This phrase underscores the persistent unrepentance of humanity, even when confronted with clear evidence of divine judgment. The call to repentance is a central theme throughout the Bible, with God consistently offering forgiveness and restoration to those who turn from their sinful ways. The lack of repentance here fulfills the prophetic warnings found in passages like Isaiah 6:9-10 and Jeremiah 5:3, where people are described as having eyes but not seeing, and ears but not hearing. This stubbornness is also seen in the New Testament, where Jesus laments over cities that witnessed His miracles yet refused to repent (Matthew 11:20-24). Theologically, this highlights the concept of human free will and the tragic reality that some will choose to reject God despite His overtures of grace. The phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and the importance of heeding God's call to repentance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God of Heaven
The sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe, who is being blasphemed by those suffering.

2. Those Suffering
Individuals experiencing the plagues and judgments described in Revelation, specifically those who refuse to repent.

3. Pains and Sores
Physical afflictions that are part of the divine judgments poured out upon the earth.

4. Judgment
The context of this verse is the outpouring of the bowls of God's wrath, a series of divine judgments.

5. Repentance
The act of turning away from sin and toward God, which the suffering individuals refuse to do.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Hardness of Heart
Persistent refusal to repent leads to further spiritual and physical suffering.

The Nature of True Repentance
Genuine repentance involves a change of heart and action, not just regret over consequences.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's judgments are just and serve as a call to repentance, even when they are severe.

The Danger of Blasphemy
Cursing God in times of suffering reveals a heart far from Him and invites further judgment.

The Urgency of Repentance
The time to repent is now, before judgment is fully realized and hearts are hardened beyond return.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the refusal to repent in Revelation 16:11 reveal about the human heart in the face of divine judgment?

2. How do the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 9) and the judgments in Revelation 16 compare, and what can we learn from these parallels?

3. In what ways does Romans 2:5 challenge us to examine our own hearts for areas of unrepentance?

4. How can the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) inform our understanding of the consequences of ignoring opportunities for repentance?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our hearts remain soft and responsive to God's call to repentance, as urged in Hebrews 3:15?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:8-12
The plagues of Egypt, particularly the boils, parallel the sores mentioned in Revelation, showing a pattern of divine judgment and human obstinacy.

Romans 2:5
This verse speaks of the hardness of heart and unrepentance leading to wrath, similar to the refusal to repent in Revelation 16:11.

Luke 16:19-31
The account of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the futility of repentance after judgment has been set, akin to the unrepentant attitude in Revelation.

2 Peter 3:9
Highlights God's desire for all to come to repentance, contrasting with the refusal seen in Revelation 16:11.

Hebrews 3:15
Warns against hardening one's heart, a condition evident in those who curse God despite their suffering.