Revelation 9:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Revelation 9:5 describes a severe, yet limited, form of divine judgment unleashed during the sounding of the fifth trumpet in the apocalyptic visions of John.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed description of the Fifth Trumpet judgment, where a "star" (often interpreted as an angelic being) falls from heaven and opens the bottomless pit. From this pit emerges a horde of locust-like creatures, described as having power like scorpions. Crucially, their mandate is not to kill but to inflict intense suffering. The preceding verse, Revelation 9:4, clarifies that this torment is directed only at "those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads," emphasizing a distinction in judgment and God's protection over His faithful.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restraint and Purpose: Despite their terrifying appearance and power, these creatures are explicitly given limits by God. They are "not to kill them," but only to torment. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, even over agents of judgment, ensuring that His purposes are precisely fulfilled. The torment serves as a severe warning rather than ultimate destruction.
  • Severity of Suffering: The comparison "as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man," vividly conveys excruciating pain. A scorpion's sting is known for its intense, burning agony, illustrating the deep distress and anguish that those without God's seal will experience. It's a physical and perhaps spiritual suffering that stops short of death.
  • Limited Duration: The torment is restricted to "five months." This specific duration emphasizes that this period of judgment is not endless but has a defined beginning and end, again underscoring God's control over the timing and extent of these apocalyptic events.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "torment" here is basanismos (related to basanos), which denotes extreme pain, distress, or torture. It’s the same root word used to describe the rich man's suffering in Hades (Luke 16:23). The choice of "scorpion" (Greek: skorpios) is significant, as its sting was a common and painful affliction in the ancient world, immediately conveying a sense of sharp, piercing, and agonizing pain.

Practical Application

While this verse describes a future apocalyptic event, it carries timeless implications. It underscores the seriousness of living without God's protection and acknowledging His sovereignty. The distinction between those sealed and those not sealed serves as a profound reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment and allegiance to God. It highlights that even in judgment, God's actions are precise and purposeful, not arbitrary. For believers, it reinforces the comfort found in God's protective hand (Psalm 91:7), and for all, it serves as a call to consider one's standing before a holy God.

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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 9:10 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Revelation 9:3 (5 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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

  • Daniel 5:22 (1 votes)

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

  • Revelation 13:7 (1 votes)

    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.