Revelation 9:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:5 describes a specific, divinely ordained judgment during the sounding of the fifth trumpet, where demonic entities are granted power not to kill, but to inflict excruciating torment upon those without God's seal. This suffering is likened to the agonizing sting of a scorpion and is strictly limited in duration to five months, underscoring God's precise control over the nature, intensity, and temporal boundaries of apocalyptic judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic unfolding of the trumpet judgments in Revelation, specifically as part of the description of the [Fifth Trumpet](/revelation/9-1-12 "The Fifth Trumpet Judgment in Revelation 9"). Following the initial four trumpets that affect creation, the fifth trumpet introduces a new dimension of judgment, directly targeting humanity. A "star" falls from heaven, opening the [bottomless pit](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Opening of the Bottomless Pit"), from which emerges a terrifying horde of locust-like creatures. Crucially, [Revelation 9:4](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - Protection from the Locusts") specifies that these creatures are forbidden to harm the grass, trees, or any green thing, and are only permitted to torment "those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." This preceding verse sets the stage for the limited and targeted nature of the torment described in [Revelation 9:5](/revelation/9-5 "Revelation 9:5 - The Scorpions' Torment"), emphasizing divine protection for the faithful amidst widespread suffering. The narrative progresses from generalized environmental devastation to highly specific, personal affliction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, scorpions were a common and feared creature, known for their painful, often debilitating, but rarely fatal stings. The comparison to a scorpion's torment would immediately evoke a vivid image of intense, burning, and prolonged agony, a suffering that incapacitates rather than kills. The concept of divine judgment, often involving plagues and natural disasters, was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, as seen in the plagues of Egypt ([Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt")) or the prophetic warnings in books like [Joel](/joel/1 "The Book of Joel"). For early Christians facing persecution under the Roman Empire, the imagery of judgment and divine intervention would have resonated powerfully, offering both a warning to their oppressors and reassurance of God's ultimate justice and control, even over seemingly chaotic events. The "five months" could potentially allude to the typical lifespan of a locust swarm or a period of intense agricultural devastation, though its primary significance here is symbolic of a fixed, divinely appointed duration.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 9:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Restraint**, demonstrating that even malevolent forces and agents of judgment operate strictly under God's command. They are "given" power, but also explicitly limited in their destructive capacity—they "should not kill," but only "torment." This underscores God's absolute control over the extent and nature of suffering, even in the midst of apocalyptic chaos, a theme seen also in [Revelation 6:6](/revelation/6-6 "Revelation 6:6 - Limited Harm in the Seals"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Severity of Divine Judgment**, portraying a suffering so intense it is likened to a scorpion's sting, a universally understood symbol of excruciating pain. This is a judgment designed to bring about repentance, or at least to reveal the hardness of hearts, as people "blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains" in [Revelation 16:11](/revelation/16-11 "Revelation 16:11 - Blasphemy Amidst Pain"). Thirdly, the specific duration of "five months" underscores the theme of **Limited Duration and Purposeful Judgment**. This is not an eternal damnation but a temporary, albeit severe, warning, indicating that God's judgments are not arbitrary but have a defined beginning, end, and specific purpose within His overarching plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word (G1325) is a primary verb meaning "to give," used in a very wide application. In this context, "it was given" signifies divine authorization and control. The power these creatures wield is not inherent to them but is granted by God. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty even over agents of judgment, emphasizing that their actions are not random but part of a precise, divinely orchestrated plan.
* **tormented (Greek, _basanízō'_):** This verb (G928), derived from _básanos_ (a touchstone for testing metals), means "to torture, to pain, to vex." It implies intense, agonizing distress, often involving physical or mental anguish. The repetition of this root ("tormented" and "torment" - G929, _basanismós_) underscores the severe and excruciating nature of the suffering inflicted, a pain so profound that it might lead men to seek death, yet death eludes them ([Revelation 9:6](/revelation/9-6 "Revelation 9:6 - Men Seeking Death")).
* **scorpion (Greek, _skorpíos'_):** This noun (G4651) refers to the arachnid known for its venomous sting. The comparison to a scorpion's sting immediately conveys a vivid image of sharp, piercing, burning, and agonizing pain. It is a culturally recognizable symbol of intense suffering that, while typically not fatal, is profoundly debilitating and distressing, making it a powerful metaphor for the quality of the torment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to them it was given that they should not kill them,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and limitation of the judgment. The "them" refers to the locust-like creatures from the bottomless pit. The use of the divine passive ("it was given") implies that God is the ultimate granter of this power and its accompanying restrictions. The crucial limitation is that their mandate is not to bring death, but something else, setting up the following clause. This highlights God's precise control over the agents of judgment, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled without deviation.
* **"but that they should be tormented five months:"**: This clause specifies the nature and duration of the judgment. Instead of killing, the creatures are authorized to inflict "torment." The "five months" denotes a specific, limited period, not an eternal or indefinite suffering. This temporal boundary reinforces the idea that this is a temporary judgment, perhaps a severe warning or a period of intense testing, rather than a final, annihilating wrath. The specificity of the duration points to God's meticulous timing and plan.
* **"and their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man."**: This final clause provides a vivid simile to describe the quality and intensity of the suffering. The pain is not merely discomfort but is likened to the excruciating, burning, and debilitating agony caused by a scorpion's sting. This comparison would have been immediately understood by John's original audience, who were familiar with the severe pain of such stings. It underscores the physical and mental anguish experienced by those targeted by this judgment, emphasizing its severity and the profound distress it causes.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated in "their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion." This comparison vividly communicates the excruciating nature of the pain, drawing on a common and feared experience in the ancient world to make the apocalyptic suffering tangible and horrifying. The use of **Symbolism** is also crucial, with the "five months" likely symbolizing a fixed, divinely appointed, but temporary period of judgment, rather than a literal calendar duration. The "locust-like creatures" themselves are symbolic agents of divine wrath, embodying destructive power but operating under strict divine control. Furthermore, the phrase "it was given" employs the **Divine Passive**, a common biblical idiom where the agent of an action is God, even if not explicitly named. This device subtly but powerfully reinforces God's ultimate sovereignty and authority over these apocalyptic events, ensuring that even the forces of destruction are instruments in His hands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:5 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of evil and judgment. The divine passive "it was given" emphasizes that these terrifying creatures, seemingly unleashed from the abyss, are not acting autonomously but are meticulously controlled by God. Their power to torment, yet not to kill, reveals a purposeful, limited judgment, designed perhaps to drive people to repentance, though the broader narrative of Revelation shows many do not repent ([Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Lack of Repentance")). This precision in judgment highlights God's justice and His deliberate hand in history, demonstrating that even suffering serves a divine purpose, whether it be to warn, to refine, or to reveal the hardened heart. For believers, it offers comfort in knowing that God is in control, and that His protective "seal" ([Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - The Sealing of God's Servants")) ensures their ultimate security amidst tribulation.

* [Luke 16:23](/luke/16-23 "Luke 16:23 - The Rich Man's Torment in Hades")
* [Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1-11 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord and Locust Invasion")
* [Revelation 6:6](/revelation/6-6 "Revelation 6:6 - Limited Harm in the Seals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:5, while describing a future apocalyptic event, carries profound implications for our present understanding of God's character and humanity's response. It serves as a stark reminder that God is sovereign over all things, including suffering and judgment. The fact that torment is permitted, but death is withheld, speaks to a divine purpose that seeks something other than immediate annihilation—perhaps a final opportunity for repentance, or a demonstration of the consequences of rejecting God's grace. For those who bear the "seal of God," this verse offers immense comfort, highlighting God's protective hand and the distinction He makes between His own and those who remain unsealed. It compels us to consider the seriousness of our spiritual standing and the urgency of responding to God's call. For all, it underscores the reality that ignoring God's warnings and living apart from His protection carries severe, divinely ordained consequences, even if those consequences are temporary. This passage should prompt a deep reflection on our allegiance and the eternal implications of our choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific limitation of "torment, not death" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **What does the "seal of God" (mentioned in the broader context of Revelation 9) mean for believers today, and how does it provide comfort in the face of future judgments?**
* **In what ways might the "torment of a scorpion" serve as a metaphor for the consequences of spiritual rebellion in our own lives, even apart from apocalyptic events?**

### FAQ

**Who are "them" who are tormented, and why are they not killed?**

Answer: The "them" who are tormented refers to "those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads," as specified in [Revelation 9:4](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - Protection from the Locusts"). These are individuals who have rejected God and His protection. They are not killed because this particular judgment, associated with the fifth trumpet, is a temporary, severe warning rather than a final, annihilating judgment. God's purpose here is to inflict intense suffering, likened to a scorpion's sting, possibly to prompt repentance or to demonstrate the consequences of their rebellion, without immediately ending their lives. This highlights God's precise control over the extent and nature of His judgments, demonstrating that even in wrath, there is a measured purpose.

**What do the "five months" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "five months" (G4002, _pénte_ months G3376, _mḗn_) is a specific duration that emphasizes the limited and controlled nature of this judgment. While some interpretations suggest a literal period, many scholars understand it symbolically. It could allude to the typical lifespan of a locust swarm, which often lasts around five months, causing intense agricultural devastation during that period. More broadly, it symbolizes that this period of torment is not indefinite or eternal but has a divinely appointed beginning and end. This reinforces God's sovereignty over time and the precise execution of His judgments, demonstrating that even the most terrifying events are part of His carefully orchestrated plan, as seen in the broader prophetic timeline of [Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 9:5, with its terrifying imagery of divinely permitted torment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the direct experience of this judgment by believers, but in the profound contrast and deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. While this verse describes a future outpouring of God's wrath upon the unrepentant, Christ himself bore the ultimate "torment" on the cross, enduring the full weight of divine judgment for humanity's sin. His suffering, far exceeding any physical pain, was a spiritual agony that allowed for the redemption of those who believe. Through His sacrifice, Christ became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the very "seal of God" that protects believers from the wrath to come. Those who are "in Christ" are delivered from the condemnation and torment described in Revelation, for "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Thus, while Revelation 9:5 paints a stark picture of judgment, it simultaneously magnifies the saving work of Christ, who endured the ultimate torment so that His followers might be spared and inherit eternal life, secured by His victory over sin and death ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Christ")).

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 9:10

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

Job 2:6

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.

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.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Daniel 5:18

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

Daniel 5:22

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;

Revelation 13:7

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.