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Revelation 16:9
ESV They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.
NIV They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
NASB And the people were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.
CSB and people were scorched by the intense heat. So they blasphemed the name of God, who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory.
NLT Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory.
KJV And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
NKJV And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

What does Revelation 16:9 mean?

This verse continues to describe the heat from the sun after being affected by the fourth bowl judgment. It becomes so intense that people are scorched by it. One can only imagine a world ravaged by prior judgments, now suffering under intense heat and solar radiation.

Nevertheless, the blazing heat does not soften the hard hearts of the wicked. Instead of turning to God in repentance, they revile God. They recognize He has the power to send the plagues, but they curse Him for sending them. They refuse to humble themselves. Adamantly, they refuse to repent and ascribe glory to Him. The reaction of the wicked to God's judgment contradicts the notion that manmade civilization is getting better and better and will ultimately arrive at a utopia. Wickedness in the great tribulation is so advanced that civilization chooses to defy God in spite of knowing He is judging them because of their wickedness. Romans 1:18 states: "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."

This verse also supports a recurring theme of both the Bible and this revelation: humanity has no one to blame for rejecting God but themselves. No matter how much proof, evidence, or pressure God applies, people who want to reject Him will always find a way. Whether it's through excuses, self-deception, or blatant hatred, the one and only thing keeping each person from finding God is their own sinful choice.
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