Lexical Summary mukaomai: To bellow, to roar Original Word: μυκάομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance roar. From a presumed derivative of muzo (to "moo"); to bellow (roar) -- roar. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word, onomatop. Definition to roar NASB Translation roars (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3455: μυκάομαιμυκάομαι, μυκωμαι; (from μύ or μύ, the sound which a cow utters (Latinmugio)), to low, bellow, properly, of horned cattle (Homer, Aeschylus, Euripides, Plato, others); to roar, of a lion, Revelation 10:3. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Background The verb expresses the deep, guttural bellow of large animals, evoking a sound that is both commanding and unmistakable. In the Greco-Roman world such a noise signified power, alarm, or the arrival of a formidable presence, ideas that readily transfer to the biblical portrait of God’s awesome self-disclosure. Usage in Scripture Only appearance: Revelation 10:3—“and he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.” Literary Role in Revelation 1. Intensifies the scene: The roaring voice distinguishes the mighty angel from the ordinary, aligning him with the heavenly host whose utterances shake creation (Revelation 4:5; Revelation 8:5). Theological Significance • Voice of the Sovereign: Throughout Scripture a thunderous or roaring voice marks the LORD’s majesty (Jeremiah 25:30; Amos 1:2). The verb therefore associates the angel’s cry with divine speech. Historical and Cultural Insights Ancient hearers knew the unsettling force of a lion’s roar echoing across valleys or a bull’s bellow resounding in a marketplace. John employs that cultural memory to depict a heavenly sound that cannot be ignored—far exceeding earthly terrors and demanding response. Practical Ministry Application 1. Preaching: Communicate Scripture with clarity and weight, mirroring the angel’s authoritative proclamation (2 Timothy 4:2). Related Themes and Cross-References • Lion imagery—Genesis 49:9-10; Hosea 11:10; Revelation 5:5. Christological Reflections Although a mighty angel speaks, the roar’s likeness to a lion echoes the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The scene therefore anticipates Christ’s imminent assertion of kingship when the seventh trumpet sounds (Revelation 11:15). Eschatological Emphasis The verb highlights the irreversible momentum of the end times. Once the roar is heard, heaven’s countdown advances; “there will be no more delay” (Revelation 10:6). The Church is thus called to vigilance and faithful witness. Worship and Homiletical Insights The passage invites proclamation that balances majesty and mystery: God has spoken decisively in Christ, yet retains sovereign secrecy. True worship acknowledges both, fostering confidence without presumption. Summary Strong’s Greek 3455 portrays a resonant, authoritative roar that, in its single New Testament occurrence, magnifies God’s supremacy, urges readiness for final fulfillment, and models the tone with which His servants should declare His unchanging Word. Forms and Transliterations μυκαται μυκάται μυκᾶται μυκτήρ μυκτηρά μυκτήρά μυκτήρας μυκτήράς μυκτήρι μυκτήρων mukatai mykatai mykâtaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 10:3 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ὥσπερ λέων μυκᾶται καὶ ὅτε NAS: as when a lion roars; and when KJV: as [when] a lion roareth: and when INT: as a lion roars And when |
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