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 (KJV)

Context

Revelation 9:20 belongs to the vision the apostle John received while exiled on the island of Patmos. It follows the sixth trumpet judgment, when a third of mankind is killed by three plagues: fire, smoke, and brimstone. The people described here are “the rest of the men” who survived these calamities.

Meaning

The verse reports that these survivors “repented not of the works of their hands.” In the Greek, the word for repent implies a change of mind and life, a turning away from sin. Their refusal to repent reveals hardened hearts, even after witnessing divine judgment firsthand.

The phrase “works of their hands” points directly to idolatry. These people continued to worship devils and idols made of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood. The materials listed cover the full range of human craftsmanship, showing that no human-made object deserves worship. The idols themselves are lifeless: they cannot see, hear, or walk, and therefore cannot guide, protect, or save anyone who trusts them.

The mention of demons behind idols carries a deeper warning. Idolatry is not merely a violation of the first two commandments; it is also a form of demonic worship. What appears to be devotion to a carved image is, in reality, fellowship with evil spiritual powers.

Biblical connections

This description echoes Psalm 115:4-7, where idols have mouths, eyes, ears, noses, hands, and feet yet cannot speak, see, hear, smell, handle, or walk. The psalm also warns that those who make and trust such idols become like them, spiritually blind and powerless. Revelation 9:20 applies that same truth to the end-time setting.

Application

This verse is a sobering reminder of the depth of human rebellion. Even catastrophic judgment does not automatically produce repentance. It also warns against modern forms of idolatry, for people still place their trust in possessions, ideologies, or false deities rather than in the Creator. The call to repentance remains urgent, and the grace of God in Christ is the only sufficient remedy for a hardened heart.

Reflection

Revelation 9:20 challenges every reader to examine what truly holds their devotion. Idols are lifeless and powerless, yet the living God sees, hears, and walks with His people. The verse invites honest self-examination and a renewed turning toward God, who alone is worthy of worship.