Revelation 9:3

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

And {G2532} there came {G1831} out of {G1537} the smoke {G2586} locusts {G200} upon {G1519} the earth {G1093}: and {G2532} unto them {G846} was given {G1325} power {G1849}, as {G5613} the scorpions {G4651} of the earth {G1093} have {G2192} power {G1849}.

Then out of the smoke onto the earth came locusts, and they were given power like the power scorpions have on earth.

And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth.

And out of the smoke came forth locusts upon the earth; and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Commentary

Revelation 9:3 describes a terrifying element of the fifth trumpet judgment, where a unique kind of "locust" emerges from smoke to inflict torment upon humanity. This verse introduces these supernatural entities and defines the nature of their destructive power.

Context

This verse is part of a sequence of judgments unleashed upon the earth, specifically following the sounding of the fifth trumpet by an angel (Revelation 9:1). The smoke from which these locusts emerge is a key detail, often understood to signify the opening of the bottomless pit (abyssos), a place associated with demonic imprisonment and activity. Unlike natural locust plagues, which consume vegetation, these creatures are described with characteristics more akin to warhorses and scorpions, indicating their symbolic and supernatural nature.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The emergence of these locusts is a direct manifestation of God's righteous judgment against an unrepentant world. It underscores that even seemingly chaotic events are under divine control.
  • Supernatural Agency: These are not ordinary insects but spiritual or demonic entities empowered by God. The phrase "unto them was given power" (Greek: exousia) emphasizes that their ability is not inherent but delegated, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly events and judgments.
  • Painful Torment: The comparison "as the scorpions of the earth have power" is crucial. Scorpions are known for their intensely painful, though often non-fatal, stings. This indicates that the primary purpose of these locusts is to inflict severe suffering and torment, rather than immediate death or destruction of the physical world (as clarified in Revelation 9:4).
  • Limited Authority: Despite their fearsome appearance and power, their authority is explicitly "given," implying a defined scope and limitation. Their destructive capacity is precisely controlled by God’s will.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "locusts" is akrides (ἀκρίδες), which typically refers to the common locust. However, the subsequent description of these creatures (in verses 7-10) clearly distinguishes them from natural insects, depicting them with features like human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, and scorpion's tails. This suggests a highly symbolic or demonic interpretation, rather than a literal plague of insects. The term "power" (exousia) signifies delegated authority, reinforcing that their actions are divinely permitted and controlled, not arbitrary.

Practical Application

Revelation 9:3 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the consequences of rejecting God's call to repentance. It underscores that God remains in control even amidst widespread suffering, using various means to bring about His purposes. For believers, it highlights the assurance of God's protection, as later verses in Revelation 9 specify that these locusts are only permitted to harm those "which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." This encourages believers to remain faithful and trust in God's ultimate justice and salvation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 9:5 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Joel 1:4 (5 votes)

    That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

  • Deuteronomy 8:15 (3 votes)

    Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

  • Joel 2:25 (3 votes)

    And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

  • Revelation 9:10 (2 votes)

    And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months.

  • Revelation 9:11 (2 votes)

    And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.

  • 1 Kings 12:11 (2 votes)

    And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.