Revelation 9:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The locusts were not allowed to kill them, only to inflict pain on them for five months; and the pain they caused was like the pain of a scorpion sting.

Berean Standard Bible:

The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion.

American Standard Version:

And it was given them that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when it striketh a man.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} to them^{G846} it was given^{G1325} that^{G3363} they should^{G615} not^{G3363} kill^{G615} them^{G846}, but^{G235} that^{G2443} they should be tormented^{G928} five^{G4002} months^{G3376}: and^{G2532} their^{G846} torment^{G929} was as^{G5613} the torment^{G929} of a scorpion^{G4651}, when^{G3752} he striketh^{G3817} a man^{G444}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Revelation 9:5

Revelation 9:5 is a verse from the New Testament's Book of Revelation, attributed to John the Apostle, which describes a series of apocalyptic visions. This particular verse is part of a larger section detailing the release of demonic locusts upon the earth as the fifth of seven trumpets is sounded. The themes present in this verse include divine judgment, the torment of the wicked, and the supernatural elements of the eschatological narrative.

In the historical context, the Book of Revelation is believed to have been written during a period of persecution of Christians, possibly under the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. The imagery and symbolism would have resonated with early Christian readers who were familiar with the Old Testament prophecies and the concept of God's judgment. The use of scorpion imagery for torment would have been particularly evocative, as scorpions were known in the ancient world for their painful stings.

The verse specifically states that these locust-like creatures, often interpreted as demons or angelic beings, are not permitted to kill their human targets but rather to inflict extreme pain upon them for a limited period of five months. This torment is compared to the agony caused by a scorpion's sting, indicating severe physical or emotional suffering. The duration of five months may symbolize a limited, yet severe, period of trial, which is a common motif in apocalyptic literature, emphasizing the idea that divine judgments are measured and controlled.

In summary, Revelation 9:5 is a vivid depiction of divine retribution within an apocalyptic framework. It uses the imagery of tormenting locusts to convey the severity of God's judgments, while also reassuring the persecuted early Christians that such tribulations would be temporary and ultimately under God's sovereign control. The verse reflects the broader themes of the Book of Revelation, including the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the vindication of the faithful.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1325
   There are 377 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δίδωμι
   Transliteration: dídōmi
   Pronunciation: did'-o-mee
   Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternative in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection):--adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3363
   There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα μή
   Transliteration: hína mḗ
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah may
   Description: i.e. ἵνα and μή; in order (or so) that not:--albeit not, lest, that, no(-t, (-thing)).
   
5. Strong's Number: G615
   There are 71 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀποκτείνω
   Transliteration: apokteínō
   Pronunciation: ap-ok-ti'-no
   Description: from ἀπό and (to slay); to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy:--put to death, kill, slay.
   
6. Strong's Number: G235
   There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀλλά
   Transliteration: allá
   Pronunciation: al-lah'
   Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
8. Strong's Number: G928
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: βασανίζω
   Transliteration: basanízō
   Pronunciation: bas-an-id'-zo
   Description: from βάσανος; to torture:--pain, toil, torment, toss, vex.
   
9. Strong's Number: G4002
   There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πέντε
   Transliteration: pénte
   Pronunciation: pen'-teh
   Description: a primary number; "five":--five.
   
10. Strong's Number: G3376
    There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μήν
    Transliteration: mḗn
    Pronunciation: mane
    Description: a primary word; a month:--month.
    
11. Strong's Number: G929
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βασανισμός
    Transliteration: basanismós
    Pronunciation: bas-an-is-mos'
    Description: from βασανίζω; torture:--torment.
    
12. Strong's Number: G5613
    There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὡς
    Transliteration: hōs
    Pronunciation: hoce
    Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
    
13. Strong's Number: G4651
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σκορπίος
    Transliteration: skorpíos
    Pronunciation: skor-pee'-os
    Description: probably from an obsolete (perhaps strengthened from the base of σκοπός and meaning to pierce); a "scorpion" (from its sting):--scorpion.
    
14. Strong's Number: G3752
    There are 118 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὅταν
    Transliteration: hótan
    Pronunciation: hot'-an
    Description: from ὅτε and ἄν; whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as:--as long (soon) as, that, + till, when(-soever), while.
    
15. Strong's Number: G3817
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: παίω
    Transliteration: paíō
    Pronunciation: pah'-yo
    Description: a primary verb; to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than τύπτω); specially, to sting (as a scorpion):--smite, strike.
    
16. Strong's Number: G444
    There are 614 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἄνθρωπος
    Transliteration: ánthrōpos
    Pronunciation: anth'-ro-pos
    Description: from ἀνήρ and (the countenance; from ὀπτάνομαι); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man.