Revelation 9:20 – “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.”
Extended Explanation
After all the devastation described in the sixth trumpet—after fire, smoke, sulfur, and the death of a third of the world’s population—this verse comes in with a shocking truth: the rest of the people still did not repent.
Even though they witnessed massive destruction, they continued in their sin. They held on to the work of their hands, meaning the idols and objects they had made and trusted in. These included demonic practices and lifeless statues made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. They continued to give their devotion to things that couldn’t help them—things that couldn’t see, hear, or walk.
This verse shows the stubbornness of the human heart when it refuses to turn back to God. Even when judgment comes, and the truth is clear, many still choose rebellion over repentance.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, idol worship was everywhere. People built statues to gods made of metal, stone, and wood. These idols were part of everyday life in homes, temples, and public places. Worshiping these false gods often involved rituals, sacrifices, and even occult practices—many of which were connected to demonic influence, whether people knew it or not.
John’s readers would have understood exactly what this verse referred to. Many had come out of those same idol-worshiping cultures. They had seen how the world placed its trust in objects and false gods instead of the one true God.
This verse would have reminded them of the danger of going back to those old ways—and the heartbreak of watching others refuse to leave them behind.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals how deep human sin can go. Judgment alone doesn’t always lead to repentance. Without a change of heart, people can see God’s power and still reject Him. This shows that repentance is not only a response to external circumstances—it’s a spiritual act, a surrender of the heart that only God can bring about.
It also shows how sin enslaves. People don’t just commit sin; they cling to it. They worship their own creations, trusting in what they’ve made instead of the God who made them. And when their idols are exposed as useless, they still won’t let go.
This is a strong warning: judgment is coming, but it won’t automatically change people. Only true repentance, led by the Spirit of God, can.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse contrasts what has just happened (the plagues and death) with what should have happened (repentance)—but didn’t.
- “The rest of mankind who were not killed…” – Introduces those who survived.
- “…still did not repent…” – A tragic, blunt statement of hardened hearts.
- “…of the work of their hands…” – Emphasizes self-made religion and pride.
- “…they did not stop worshiping…” – Continual action, ongoing defiance.
- “…demons and idols…” – Shifts from physical objects to spiritual deception.
It’s written to provoke reflection and sadness. The reader is supposed to ask, “Why won’t they turn back?”
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 115:4-7 – “But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak…”
- Deuteronomy 4:28 – Warns of serving gods made of wood and stone that cannot see or hear.
- 2 Kings 17:15 – “They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.”
- Romans 1:21-23 – People exchanged the glory of God for images made to look like mortal beings and animals.
- 1 Corinthians 10:20 – “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God…”
These passages show that idolatry isn’t just about statues—it’s about replacing God with anything we make or control, and it often opens the door to spiritual danger.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a sobering reminder that not everyone will respond to truth, no matter how clear it is. Miracles, warnings, or even disasters won’t change a heart that refuses to surrender to God. Only the gospel—shared in love, lived out in grace, and empowered by the Holy Spirit—can bring true repentance.
It also challenges Christians to examine their own lives. Are we clinging to “the work of our hands”? Are we trusting in what we’ve built, earned, or made instead of depending on God? Idolatry isn’t just statues—it’s anything we love or trust more than the Lord.
This verse calls us to be humble, prayerful, and faithful in living and sharing the truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen even in this judgment. He didn’t destroy everyone—He left survivors. He gave more time. But this verse shows how even God’s patience can be resisted. Yet the fact that it’s written down shows His heart: He wants people to see, understand, and turn back.
He is still calling, even when people won’t listen. That’s love.
God doesn’t force anyone to repent—but He does everything possible to invite them. He sends warnings, offers forgiveness, and waits with open arms.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus came to save people from the very kind of hard-heartedness we see in this verse. In Luke 13:3, He says, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” But He also says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest.”
Jesus alone can change a heart that worships idols. He replaces false worship with true worship. He offers life instead of destruction.
Through Him, we don’t have to be part of the “rest of mankind” who continue in sin—we can be part of those who turn back to God and live.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think people can see God’s judgment and still refuse to repent?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of idolatry?
- Are there “works of your hands” that you’ve been trusting in more than God?
- How can we lovingly warn others about the danger of spiritual deception?
- What has Jesus rescued you from that once held your heart captive?