Topical Encyclopedia
The term "half-an-hour" is specifically mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Book of Revelation. It appears in
Revelation 8:1, which states: "When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour."
Context and InterpretationThe Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, is a prophetic text rich with symbolism and apocalyptic imagery. The opening of the seventh seal is a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking a transition in the unfolding of divine judgment and the revelation of God's ultimate plan for humanity.
The "half-an-hour" of silence in heaven is a unique and intriguing detail. In the context of Revelation, this silence follows the dramatic events associated with the opening of the first six seals, which include various forms of judgment and tribulation upon the earth. The silence can be seen as a pause or a moment of solemn anticipation before the next series of judgments, represented by the sounding of the seven trumpets.
Symbolic SignificanceThe silence lasting "about half an hour" has been interpreted in various ways by theologians and biblical scholars. Some view it as a period of divine reflection or a moment of awe in the heavenly realm, emphasizing the gravity of the events that are about to unfold. Others suggest it represents a time of intercession, where the prayers of the saints are being considered before God.
In the broader biblical narrative, silence often precedes significant divine action. For example, in the Old Testament, silence is sometimes associated with the presence of God or a prelude to His intervention (e.g.,
Habakkuk 2:20,
Zephaniah 1:7). Thus, the half-hour of silence in Revelation can be seen as a profound moment of expectancy and reverence.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the half-hour of silence underscores the sovereignty and majesty of God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of divine judgment and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The silence invites believers to reflect on the holiness of God and the importance of being spiritually prepared for the unfolding of His purposes.
Additionally, the specific mention of "half-an-hour" highlights the precision and intentionality of God's timing. It suggests that every moment in the divine plan is significant and purposeful, even those that may seem brief or inconsequential from a human perspective.
ConclusionWhile the half-hour of silence in
Revelation 8:1 is a brief mention, it carries deep symbolic and theological weight. It invites readers to pause and consider the magnitude of God's plan and the reverence due to Him as the sovereign Lord of history.
Greek
2256. hemiorion --half an hour...half an hour. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hemiorion Phonetic Spelling:
(hay-mee-o'-ree-on) Short Definition:
half an hour Definition:
half an...Library
Apprenticeship Customs
... multitude of people from all parts to "seek the Lord, while he may be found." They
were all attention; and most of them met me again athalf an hour after four...
The Noviceship
... He spenthalf an hour in meditation, in thinking over some incident in our Lord's
life or some great truth, as that death is near to each of us, that this life...
Furthermore, as to the Proposal Subjoined to Your Epistle...
... The matter proceeds thus: In fifteen days andhalf an hour, the sun ascending by
so many minutes, that is, by four in one day, from the eighth day before the...
At the Governor's House
... Friday, 17."l waited upon the Governor and spenthalf an hour agreeably.... I preached
athalf an hour past eight, and the house contained the congregation....
Note on the Morning Watch.
... Listen to the invitation of your brethren in all lands, and fear not to form an
undiscourageable resolution to spend at leasthalf an hour each morning with...
The Seventh Seal.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Seventh Seal. "And when he opened the seventh
seal, silence took place in heaven for abouthalf an hour....
The Meaning of the Seventh Seal, that Is, of the Seven Trumpets.
... In the mean time, "there was silence in heaven for the space ofhalf an hour,"
according to the rites of the temple in performing a sacrifice of this nature....
How Wesley Dealt with a Mob
... I stayed in the street nearlyhalf an hour after he was gone, talking with the people,
who had now forgotten their anger and went away in high good humor....
Extraordinary Trances
... In abouthalf an hour I observed her countenance change into the form of fear, pity,
and distress; then she burst into a flood of tears and cried out, "Dear...
"I am Become an Honorable Man"
... Wednesday, 13."We set out early, but found no horses at Cobdock; so we were
obliged to go round by Ipswich and wait therehalf an hour....
Thesaurus
Half-an-hour (1 Occurrence)Half-
an-
hour. Half-acre,
Half-
an-
hour. Half-blind . Multi-Version
Concordance
Half-
an-
hour (1 Occurrence). Revelation
...Undone (20 Occurrences)
... blood; (BBE). Revelation 8:1 And when the seventh stamp was undone there
was quiet in heaven for abouthalfanhour. (BBE). Numbers...
Openeth (48 Occurrences)
... ASV WBS). Revelation 8:1 And when he openeth the seventh seal, there came
silence in the heaven abouthalf-an-hour, (YLT). Genesis 8...
Seventh (123 Occurrences)
... Revelation 8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for
abouthalfanhour. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Space (98 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence
in heaven about the space ofhalfanhour. (KJV ASV WBS)....
Stamp (25 Occurrences)
... blood; (BBE). Revelation 8:1 And when the seventh stamp was undone there
was quiet in heaven for abouthalfanhour. (BBE). Exodus...
Silence (80 Occurrences)
... Revelation 8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for
abouthalfanhour. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Half (135 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Revelation 8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in
heaven for abouthalfanhour. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Half-acre (1 Occurrence)
Half-acre. Half, Half-acre.Half-an-hour . Multi-Version Concordance Half-acre
(1 Occurrence).... (WBS). Half, Half-acre.Half-an-hour . Reference Bible.
Half-blind (1 Occurrence)
Half-blind.Half-an-hour, Half-blind. Half-curtain . Multi-Version Concordance...
Half-an-hour, Half-blind. Half-curtain . Reference Bible.
Resources
Why is there silence in heaven for half an hour in Revelation 8:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus lie to His brothers in John 7:8 10? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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