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
This verse notes that despite these plagues, the rest of humanity did not repent of the works of their hands or worship of devils and idols. Idolatry here includes material wealth (gold, silver, brass) and crafted statues—things people trust or worship instead of the Creator. The “works of their hands” implies dependence on created things rather than the Creator. The stubbornness of human resistance to repentance is a central theme in Revelation, revealing hard-heartedness and rebellion even in the face of catastrophic judgments.
Theologically, the verse highlights human stubbornness and the sufficiency yet hardness of heart that prevents repentance. It challenges readers to consider the sufficiency of external circumstances to drive genuine repentance; true repentance must arise from grace and a transformed heart, not forced by fear of judgment alone. It also demonstrates the persistent problem of idolatry and the futility of worshiping material things or created powers.
Practically, the verse invites self-examination: what are the idols in our lives? Money, status, technology, or social acclaim can become substitutes for God. The call is to reorient worship toward the Creator, prioritize ethical living, and invest in relationships and justice rather than hoarded wealth or status. It also challenges the church to promote gospel-centered worship that frees people from materialistic anxiety and aligns them with God’s purposes.
Cross-References: Colossians 3:5; Romans 1:23; Isaiah 44:9-20; Psalm 115:4-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:9