Revelation 9:2

KJV

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he opened {G455} the bottomless {G12} pit {G5421}; and {G2532} there arose {G305} a smoke {G2586} out of {G1537} the pit {G5421}, as {G5613} the smoke {G2586} of a great {G3173} furnace {G2575}; and {G2532} the sun {G2246} and {G2532} the air {G109} were darkened {G4654} by reason of {G1537} the smoke {G2586} of the pit {G5421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He opened the shaft of the Abyss, and there went up smoke from the shaft like the smoke of a huge furnace; the sun was darkened, and the sky too, by the smoke from the shaft.

Berean Standard Bible

The star opened the pit of the Abyss, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit.

American Standard Version

And he opened the pit of the abyss; and there went up a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:2 vividly describes the immediate consequence of the bottomless pit being opened as part of the fifth trumpet judgment. From this infernal abyss, an immense smoke billows forth, resembling the smoke of a great furnace, so dense and pervasive that it darkens the sun and the very air. This dramatic imagery signals a profound disruption of the natural order and the unleashing of oppressive spiritual forces, setting the stage for the subsequent torment described in the chapter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the trumpet judgments, specifically the fifth trumpet, which marks a shift in the nature of divine judgment from primarily physical destruction (as seen in the first four trumpets) to a more spiritual and psychological torment. It directly follows [Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fallen Star and the Key to the Abyss"), where a fallen star (likely an angel) is given the key to the bottomless pit. Revelation 9:2 describes the immediate result of that opening, preceding the release of the demonic locusts in [Revelation 9:3-11](/revelation/9-3-11 "Revelation 9:3-11 - The Demonic Locusts") who emerge from this very smoke. Thus, it serves as the crucial transition point, establishing the oppressive atmosphere and the source of the torment to follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "bottomless pit" (Greek: _ábyssos_) resonates with ancient Jewish and Hellenistic cosmological concepts of a deep, subterranean realm, often associated with the primeval waters, chaos, or a prison for rebellious spirits and demons. This concept is found in various intertestamental texts and is echoed in the New Testament. The darkening of the sun and air, coupled with smoke, is a common apocalyptic motif in Old Testament prophecy, symbolizing divine judgment, cosmic upheaval, and the "Day of the Lord." For example, the prophet [Joel speaks of the sun being turned to darkness](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun Turned to Darkness") as a sign of judgment. Such imagery would have been readily understood by John's first-century audience as a sign of profound divine intervention and impending doom.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 9:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the most malevolent forces and His use of them to execute His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the **Reality of Spiritual Warfare and Demonic Activity**, portraying the abyss as a literal place of confinement from which powerful, destructive entities can be released. Thirdly, the pervasive smoke and darkness emphasize the theme of **Cosmic and Spiritual Oppression**, where the very sources of light and life are obscured, symbolizing a period of profound distress and spiritual blindness. This imagery also points to the **Disruption of Creation's Order**, a recurring motif in apocalyptic literature that signifies the intensity of God's wrath and the unraveling of the present age.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bottomless (Greek, _ábyssos'_):** From a negative particle and a variation of _bythós_ (depth), this word literally means "depthless." In biblical usage, it refers to the "abyss," a deep, infernal pit or chasm. It is consistently depicted as a place of confinement for powerful spiritual entities, including demons and, eventually, Satan himself ([Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Revelation 20:1-3 - Satan Bound in the Abyss")). Its opening in this verse signifies a temporary, divinely permitted release of its inhabitants for the purpose of judgment.
* **smoke (Greek, _kapnós'_):** This term refers to "smoke" in its literal sense. However, in apocalyptic and prophetic literature, smoke often carries significant symbolic weight. It can represent the presence of God (as on Mount Sinai, [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Smoking")), but more commonly in judgment contexts, it symbolizes destruction, torment, and the pervasive, suffocating nature of divine wrath. Here, the smoke rising from the abyss signifies the oppressive and blinding influence of the demonic forces being unleashed.
* **darkened (Greek, _skotízō'_):** Derived from _skótos_ (darkness), this verb means "to obscure" or "to make dark." Its use here indicates not merely a dimming but a profound obscuring of the sun and the air. This darkening is a powerful symbol of spiritual and physical oppression, confusion, and the withdrawal of divine favor or light. It signifies a pervasive gloom that affects both the natural world and, by extension, the spiritual state of humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he opened the bottomless pit":** The "he" refers to the fallen star (angel) from [Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fallen Star and the Key to the Abyss"), who was given the key. This act is not an independent rebellion but a divinely ordained permission, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty even over the release of evil. The "bottomless pit" (_ábyssos_) is the infernal prison for demonic entities, signifying that the ensuing judgment originates from a realm of spiritual wickedness.
* **"and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace":** The immediate and overwhelming consequence of the pit's opening is the emergence of a vast quantity of smoke. The comparison to "the smoke of a great furnace" emphasizes its immense volume, density, and perhaps its suffocating, fiery, and destructive quality. This smoke is not merely a byproduct but a symbolic manifestation of the evil and torment that is about to be unleashed upon the earth.
* **"and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit":** The effect of this smoke is cosmic and pervasive. The darkening of the sun, the primary source of light and warmth, and the air, essential for life, signifies a profound disruption of the natural order. This imagery conveys a sense of overwhelming spiritual and physical oppression, a pervasive gloom that blinds and suffocates, symbolizing the profound distress and spiritual confusion that will accompany the demonic activity.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:2 is rich in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, designed to convey profound theological truths through dramatic, often hyperbolic, visual metaphors. The entire scene of the bottomless pit opening and spewing forth smoke that darkens the cosmos is a classic example of this genre. **Symbolism** is central: the "bottomless pit" symbolizes a realm of demonic confinement and the source of evil; "smoke" symbolizes judgment, oppression, and the blinding influence of evil; the "darkened sun and air" symbolize the pervasive spiritual and physical distress, the obscuring of truth, and the disruption of creation's order. The phrase "as the smoke of a great furnace" employs a powerful **Simile**, comparing the emerging smoke to something familiar yet terrifying, emphasizing its intensity, volume, and destructive potential. This vivid imagery aims to evoke a sense of dread and the overwhelming nature of the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:2 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that even the forces of darkness operate under the sovereign hand of God. The opening of the abyss and the subsequent release of its contents are not random events but are part of God's meticulously orchestrated plan of judgment, demonstrating His ultimate control over all creation, including the spiritual realm. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual evil and its capacity for widespread oppression and deception, yet it simultaneously affirms that its power is limited and its actions are permitted only for specific divine purposes. The cosmic darkening points to a period when spiritual light and clarity will be severely diminished, making discernment challenging and highlighting the desperate need for divine intervention and the true light of Christ.

* [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Signs in the Heavens")
* [Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "Exodus 10:21-23 - The Plague of Darkness")
* [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Begging Not to be Sent to the Abyss")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The terrifying imagery of Revelation 9:2, with its overwhelming smoke and cosmic darkness, serves as a profound call to spiritual vigilance and a deeper reliance on God's unchanging light. While describing a future prophetic event, it holds timeless truths for believers. In a world often shrouded in spiritual confusion, moral ambiguity, and the oppressive weight of sin and evil, this verse reminds us that genuine darkness is a real and potent force. It challenges us to examine where we seek our light and truth. Do we rely on fleeting human philosophies, or do we anchor ourselves in the unwavering light of Christ? Furthermore, the fact that even the abyss is opened by divine permission should instill in us a profound sense of God's absolute sovereignty. No evil, however vast or terrifying, operates outside His ultimate control. This truth should comfort us, knowing that He is orchestrating all things, even judgments, towards His ultimate redemptive purposes. Therefore, in times of personal or societal darkness, we are called to be beacons of Christ's light, reflecting His truth and hope to a world that desperately needs it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "bottomless pit" and "darkened sun and air" challenge our understanding of spiritual reality in the world today?**
* **In what ways does this verse affirm God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of evil?**
* **How should the reality of spiritual darkness, as depicted here, motivate believers to cling more closely to Jesus Christ as the "Light of the World"?**

### FAQ
**What is the "bottomless pit" mentioned in Revelation 9:2?**

Answer: The "bottomless pit" translates the Greek word _ábyssos_ (G12), meaning "abyss" or "deep." In biblical cosmology, particularly in Revelation, it refers to a specific subterranean realm or chasm that serves as a place of confinement for powerful evil spirits and demons. It is where demons begged Jesus not to send them ([Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Begging Not to be Sent to the Abyss")), and where Satan himself is eventually bound for a thousand years ([Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Revelation 20:1-3 - Satan Bound in the Abyss")). Its opening in this verse signifies a temporary, divinely permitted release of its inhabitants for the purpose of judgment upon the earth.

**What does the "smoke" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "smoke" (Greek: _kapnós_, G2586) rising from the bottomless pit, described as "the smoke of a great furnace," is highly symbolic. It represents several things: the oppressive and suffocating nature of the demonic forces being unleashed; the spiritual and psychological torment that will accompany their activity; the obscuring of truth and clarity, plunging humanity into confusion; and the pervasive, destructive nature of divine judgment. It evokes a sense of dread and the overwhelming presence of evil.

**Who is "he" that opens the bottomless pit?**

Answer: The "he" in [Revelation 9:2](/revelation/9-2 "Revelation 9:2 - The Bottomless Pit Opened") refers to the "star fallen from heaven unto the earth" mentioned in [Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fallen Star and the Key to the Abyss"). This fallen star is widely understood to be an angel, likely a malevolent one, who is given the "key of the bottomless pit." This act of opening is not an independent rebellion but occurs under divine permission, emphasizing God's ultimate control and sovereignty over all events, even the release of evil for His purposes of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:2 describes a terrifying scene of darkness and judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and meaning are profoundly illuminated by the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "bottomless pit" represents the realm of spiritual darkness and confinement for evil, a domain over which Christ has absolute authority. Unlike the angel who is merely given the key, Jesus Himself holds the "keys of hell and of death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys")). He is the ultimate victor over all the powers of darkness and the abyss, having triumphed over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The smoke that darkens the sun and air symbolizes spiritual oppression and the obscuring of truth, yet Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). His coming into the world pierced the deepest spiritual darkness, and His gospel continues to bring light and liberation to those enslaved by sin and spiritual blindness ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")). Ultimately, the temporary release of darkness in Revelation 9:2 serves to highlight the glorious and eternal reign of Christ, who will ultimately cast all darkness and evil into the eternal abyss, establishing His kingdom of light and truth forever ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire") and [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 2:10

The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

Genesis 19:28

And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

Joel 2:2

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations.

Acts 2:19

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Joel 2:30

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Isaiah 14:31

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.

Revelation 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.