Revelation 9:4

KJV

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it was commanded {G4483} them {G846} that {G3363} they should {G91} not {G3363} hurt {G91} the grass {G5528} of the earth {G1093}, neither {G3761} any {G3956} green thing {G5515}, neither {G3761} any {G3956} tree {G1186}; but {G1508} only {G3441} those men {G444} which {G3748} have {G2192} not {G3756} the seal {G4973} of God {G2316} in {G1909} their {G846} foreheads {G3359}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were instructed not to harm the grass on the earth, any green plant or any tree, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

Berean Standard Bible

They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

American Standard Version

And it was said unto them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only such men as have not the seal of God on their foreheads.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:4 details a crucial divine command given to the demonic "locusts" unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment. Unlike natural locusts that devastate vegetation, these supernatural entities are explicitly forbidden from harming the earth's grass, green things, or trees. Instead, their destructive power is precisely directed only towards those human beings who do not possess the protective "seal of God" on their foreheads, underscoring God's sovereign control over judgment and the specific nature of His wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the fifth trumpet judgment described in [Revelation 9](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets"). Following the opening of the bottomless pit by a fallen star and the release of smoke and demonic locusts in [Revelation 9:1-3](/revelation/9-1-3 "Revelation 9:1-3 - The Fifth Trumpet and Demonic Locusts"), verse 4 establishes the precise limitations of their destructive mission. The preceding verses vividly describe the terrifying appearance and tormenting power of these creatures, which are not literal insects but supernatural agents of divine wrath. The command in verse 4 highlights God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of judgment, ensuring that their actions are not random but meticulously controlled and targeted. This specificity sets the stage for understanding the nature of the tribulation period, where God's judgments are purposeful and discriminatory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, locust plagues were a well-known and devastating natural disaster, capable of stripping entire landscapes bare and causing widespread famine. The imagery of locusts would have immediately evoked terror and destruction for John's original audience. However, the description in [Revelation 9](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets") immediately distinguishes these "locusts" from their natural counterparts by their appearance (like horses prepared for battle, with human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, and scorpion's tails) and, crucially, by their behavior. Natural locusts consume vegetation; these are forbidden to do so. This supernatural element signals that the plague is not a natural calamity but a divinely orchestrated judgment with a specific, moral target. The concept of a "seal" was also culturally significant, used for ownership, authentication, security, and protection (e.g., sealing a document, a tomb, or property). The "seal of God" would have been understood as a mark of divine ownership and protection, contrasting sharply with marks of allegiance to earthly powers or false deities.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 9:4 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control over Judgment**. Even in the midst of terrifying judgments, God maintains absolute authority, precisely directing the scope and targets of His wrath. The locusts' inability to harm vegetation, contrary to their natural instinct, powerfully demonstrates this control. Another key theme is **Targeted Judgment and Divine Discrimination**. God's wrath is not indiscriminate but specifically aimed at those who have rejected Him, while those bearing His seal are protected. This highlights the **importance of the Seal of God**, which signifies divine ownership, spiritual allegiance, and supernatural preservation amidst tribulation, a concept first introduced in [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - Sealing of God's Servants"). This protective mark serves as a stark contrast to the later "mark of the beast" described in [Revelation 13:16-17](/revelation/13-16-17 "Revelation 13:16-17 - The Mark of the Beast"), emphasizing the ultimate choice of allegiance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hurt (Greek, _adikéō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "unjust," signifies "to do wrong," "to injure," or "to harm." In the context of Revelation 9:4, it explicitly states that the demonic locusts were commanded *not* to inflict physical harm or destruction upon the natural elements of the earth. This prohibition is striking because the very nature of locusts is to destroy vegetation, underscoring the supernatural and divinely controlled nature of this plague. The command ensures that their torment is not a general ecological disaster but a targeted affliction.
* **only (Greek, _mónos'_):** Meaning "alone," "sole," or "single," this adverb emphasizes the precise and exclusive target of the locusts' torment. The inclusion of "only" highlights the narrow scope of their destructive power, reinforcing the idea that God's judgment is meticulously directed and discriminatory. It eliminates any ambiguity regarding who is to be affected, drawing a clear line between those who are protected and those who are subject to this specific torment.
* **seal (Greek, _sphragís'_):** This term refers to a signet, a stamp, or an impression used to mark ownership, authenticity, security, or privacy. In the ancient world, a seal could secure a document, authenticate a message, or signify possession. Here, the "seal of God" represents a divine mark of ownership and protection. Its placement "in their foreheads" signifies a visible, undeniable, and public declaration of allegiance and belonging to God, distinguishing those who are His from those who are not. This seal is not merely a physical mark but a spiritual reality, signifying divine preservation and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was commanded them":** This phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority behind the actions of the demonic locusts. Though terrifying and destructive, these entities are not acting autonomously but are under the strict command of God. This reinforces the theme of God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of evil and judgment. The passive voice ("it was commanded") points to God as the ultimate commander.
* **"that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree;":** This is a profound and counter-intuitive prohibition. Natural locusts are known for their devastating consumption of all vegetation. By explicitly forbidding harm to the natural world, the text emphasizes that this is no ordinary plague but a supernatural judgment with a distinct purpose. It signals that the target of this specific judgment is not the environment or food supply, but humanity itself, or at least a specific segment of it.
* **"but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.":** This clause defines the precise and exclusive target of the locusts' torment. The judgment is not universal but highly discriminatory, affecting "only those men" who lack a specific divine mark. The "seal of God in their foreheads" signifies divine ownership, protection, and allegiance. Those who bear this seal are divinely preserved from this specific torment, highlighting God's care for His own even amidst widespread judgment, and the dire consequences for those who reject Him.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the "locusts" symbolizing not literal insects but demonic agents of divine judgment. The "seal of God" is a powerful symbol of divine ownership, protection, and spiritual allegiance, contrasting with the later "mark of the beast." The verse also utilizes **Contrast** effectively, setting the supernatural locusts apart from natural ones by their unusual command to *not* harm vegetation, thereby emphasizing their true, targeted mission. This creates a striking paradox that underscores the divine control. Furthermore, the explicit **Divine Command/Decree** ("it was commanded them") highlights God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous orchestration of events, even those involving destructive forces. The specificity of the command, using terms like "not hurt" and "only those men," demonstrates **Precision** in God's judgment, ensuring that His wrath is not random but purposeful and just.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:4 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over judgment, demonstrating that even the most terrifying forces of destruction operate strictly within His divinely appointed boundaries. It underscores the concept of divine discrimination in judgment, where God's wrath is not indiscriminate but precisely targeted at those who have rejected His authority and lack His protective mark. Conversely, it offers a powerful assurance of God's preservation for His people, emphasizing that their spiritual identity and allegiance to Him grant them supernatural protection amidst tribulation. The "seal of God" serves as a visible and spiritual testament to divine ownership, distinguishing those who belong to Him from those who do not, and foreshadowing the ultimate, eternal destinies determined by one's relationship with God.

* [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - Sealing of God's Servants")
* [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - Mark of Protection")
* [Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Passover Mark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:4 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even in times of global turmoil, suffering, and divine judgment, God remains utterly sovereign. His control is absolute, extending even to the destructive forces at work in the world. For those who belong to Him, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance: there is a divine "seal" of protection. This seal, understood spiritually as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our identity in Christ, signifies that we are God's possession, and He will preserve us, not necessarily from all physical suffering, but from His ultimate wrath and eternal condemnation. This should inspire confidence and peace, knowing that our ultimate security rests in God's hands. Conversely, the verse serves as a sober warning to those who remain outside of God's covenant. The absence of the "seal of God" signifies a lack of divine protection and an exposure to the consequences of rejecting Him. This should prompt a serious self-examination of one's spiritual standing and a fervent desire to embrace the salvation offered through Christ, ensuring one is found among those who bear His mark.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific targeting of the locusts in Revelation 9:4 deepen your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **What does the "seal of God" mean to you personally, and how does it impact your sense of security and identity as a believer?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your perspective on divine judgment and protection in the midst of global crises?**

### FAQ
**What is the "seal of God" mentioned in Revelation 9:4?**

Answer: The "seal of God" is a symbolic mark placed on the foreheads of God's servants, signifying divine ownership, protection, and allegiance. It is first mentioned in [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - Sealing of God's Servants"), where 144,000 servants are sealed before the great tribulation. Theologically, this seal is often understood to represent the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who marks believers as belonging to God and guarantees their future inheritance, as described in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit") and [2 Corinthians 1:22](/2_corinthians/1-22 "2 Corinthians 1:22 - God's Seal and Guarantee"). It serves as a spiritual distinction between those who are under God's protection and those who are subject to His judgments.

**Are the "locusts" in Revelation 9:4 literal insects?**

Answer: No, the "locusts" described in [Revelation 9](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets") are not literal insects. While they are called "locusts," their description (e.g., human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, scorpion's tails, and the ability to torment men for five months) and their specific command to *not* harm vegetation (contrary to natural locust behavior) clearly indicate they are supernatural, demonic entities. They are agents of divine judgment, unleashed from the bottomless pit, to inflict torment upon those who do not have the seal of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 9:4, while describing a terrifying judgment, ultimately points to the profound Christ-centered reality of salvation and protection. The "seal of God" finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. It is through faith in Jesus that individuals are marked by God, receiving the Holy Spirit as a down payment and guarantee of their inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the basis for this divine protection; He bore the wrath of God on behalf of humanity, ensuring that those who believe in Him are spared from the judgment due to sin ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). The distinction between those with and without the seal foreshadows the ultimate separation at the final judgment, where those "in Christ" are eternally secure ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, Revelation 9:4, by highlighting God's protective mark for His own, implicitly magnifies Christ as the Deliverer from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")) and the source of true spiritual security in a world facing divine judgment.

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

Revelation 7:2

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Revelation 14:1

¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 8:7

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Revelation 6:6

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.