Translations
Modern
When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Traditional
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Literal
And when He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Latin
Et cum aperuisset sigillum septimum, factum est silentium in cælo, quasi media hora.
Original
Greek
English
When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Notes
The opening of the seventh seal ends the first act and starts a dramatic silence. This silence suggests the mystery of God's actions in the world (Revelation 10:4; 1 Kings 19:11–12). This mysterious silence may be similar to God's rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:1–3; see also Hebrews 4:1–11).
half an hour: This short pause comes before the second act of divine judgment, when God will answer his people's prayers.
The Lamb breaks the seven seals to reveal the significance of history from God’s point of view.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Topics
Heaven: God's Dwelling Place Hours: Symbolical Silence Trumpet: Symbolical