Revelation 9:7

KJV

And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the shapes {G3667} of the locusts {G200} were like {G3664} unto horses {G2462} prepared {G2090} unto {G1519} battle {G4171}; and {G2532} on {G1909} their {G846} heads {G2776} were as it were {G5613} crowns {G4735} like {G3664} gold {G5557}, and {G2532} their {G846} faces {G4383} were as {G5613} the faces {G4383} of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now these locusts looked like horses outfitted for battle. On their heads were what looked like crowns of gold, and their faces were like human faces.

Berean Standard Bible

And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men.

American Standard Version

And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared for war; and upon their heads as it were crowns like unto gold, and their faces were as men’s faces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:7 offers a chilling and highly symbolic description of the demonic "locusts" unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment. Far from ordinary insects, these entities are portrayed with a terrifying hybrid appearance: resembling warhorses, adorned with what appear to be golden crowns, and possessing human-like faces. This vivid imagery underscores their destructive power, their delegated authority, and their malevolent intelligence, signaling a new and intense phase of divine judgment upon the unrepentant world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 9:7 is an integral part of John's vision of the fifth trumpet judgment, which initiates the first of three "woes" upon the earth. The preceding verses establish the origin and purpose of these locusts: they emerge from the [bottomless pit](/revelation/9-1-2 "Revelation 9:1-2 - The Opening of the Bottomless Pit") at the command of an angel, empowered not to destroy vegetation but to torment for five months those who do not bear the [seal of God on their foreheads](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - The Locusts' Limited Scope"). This specific verse, therefore, serves to visually characterize these tormentors, building upon the description of their king, [Abaddon/Apollyon](/revelation/9-11 "Revelation 9:11 - The King of the Locusts"), and setting the stage for the further details of their destructive capabilities in the verses that follow. The highly symbolic language is characteristic of apocalyptic literature, where imagery conveys spiritual realities rather than literal appearances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Revelation 9:7 draws heavily on ancient Near Eastern and Roman military symbolism, as well as common perceptions of locust plagues. Horses were the primary engines of ancient warfare, symbolizing power, speed, and conquest, particularly in the context of a cavalry charge. Crowns (specifically *stephanos*, a victor's wreath or royal diadem) represented triumph, authority, or kingship, often associated with military success or imperial power. Locusts themselves were a well-known biblical plague, devastating crops and bringing famine, as seen in the [plagues of Egypt](/exodus/10 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts"). However, John's description subverts this natural imagery, transforming the locusts into supernatural, intelligent, and malevolent agents of divine wrath, reflecting a spiritual reality far more terrifying than any natural disaster. The "faces of men" could allude to the cunning and deceptive nature often attributed to human adversaries, contrasting with the mindless destruction of natural locusts.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 9:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Revelation and biblical eschatology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment**, showcasing the terrifying consequences for those who reject God's sovereignty and refuse to repent, as highlighted throughout [Revelation 9](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the reality of **Spiritual Warfare** and the existence of malevolent spiritual entities. These "locusts" are not merely symbolic of human armies but represent actual demonic forces unleashed from the abyss, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the end times. Thirdly, despite their fearsome power, these entities operate under **God's Absolute Sovereignty**. Their actions, appearance, and even their duration of torment are precisely limited by divine decree, reinforcing the theme that God remains in control, even amidst chaos and destruction, as previously established in [Revelation 9:4](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - Limitations on the Locusts' Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shapes (Greek, _homoíōma'_):** (G3667) This word signifies a "form" or "resemblance." It is crucial because it indicates that the locusts were *like* horses, not literally horses. This emphasizes the symbolic and visionary nature of John's description, suggesting a terrifying resemblance or similitude rather than a literal biological identity. The term highlights the apocalyptic imagery's role in conveying spiritual truth through vivid, often composite, pictures.
* **crowns (Greek, _stéphanos'_):** (G4735) A *stéphanos* is a chaplet, wreath, or crown, often awarded as a prize in games, a badge of royalty, or a symbol of honor and victory. The phrase "as it were crowns like gold" is significant. It implies a semblance of authority or triumph, but the "as it were" and "like gold" suggest a delegated, temporary, or even counterfeit authority, not inherent royalty. It speaks to their permitted, though limited, dominion in their destructive task.
* **faces (Greek, _prósōpon'_):** (G4383) This term refers to the "front," "countenance," or "appearance." When combined with "of men," it suggests a human-like visage. This detail adds an unsettling layer of intelligence, cunning, and perhaps malevolence to these creatures, distinguishing them from mere instinct-driven animals. It implies a calculated, personal evil rather than random destruction, making them more sinister and capable of targeted torment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle;":** This initial clause immediately establishes the terrifying and military nature of these supernatural entities. The "shapes" (G3667, *homoíōma*) emphasizes that their appearance is a *likeness*, not a literal transformation, signaling the symbolic language of apocalyptic literature. The comparison to "horses prepared unto battle" (G2462, *híppos*; G2090, *hetoimázō*; G4171, *pólemos*) evokes images of swift, powerful, and destructive cavalry. In ancient warfare, horses were instruments of conquest and devastation, signifying irresistible force and the execution of judgment. This simile suggests that the locusts possess a similar capacity for rapid, organized, and targeted destruction, albeit spiritual torment rather than physical death.
* **"and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold,":** This phrase adds a dimension of delegated authority and temporary triumph to the locusts. The "crowns" (G4735, *stéphanos*) typically symbolize victory, royalty, or honor. However, the qualifying phrases "as it were" (G5613, *hōs*) and "like gold" (G3664, *hómoios*; G5557, *chrysós*) are crucial. They indicate that this is not genuine, inherent royalty or eternal dominion, but rather a semblance of authority, perhaps a temporary permission granted for their specific mission of torment. It suggests a counterfeit glory or a delegated, limited power, highlighting that even these terrifying forces operate under a higher, divine sovereignty.
* **"and their faces [were] as the faces of men.":** This final detail provides a chilling touch of malevolent intelligence. While their bodies are monstrous and animalistic, their "faces" (G4383, *prósōpon*) resembling "men" (G444, *ánthrōpos*) implies a level of cunning, awareness, and perhaps even a cruel delight in their tormenting work that goes beyond mere instinct. It suggests a personal, intelligent evil at play, making them more sinister and capable of psychological as well as physical torment. This human-like aspect on an otherwise monstrous creature makes them particularly unsettling and deceptive.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:7 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Zoomorphism**. The entire description of the locusts is symbolic, using familiar imagery (locusts, horses, crowns, human faces) to represent spiritual realities that defy literal description. The **Zoomorphism** is evident in attributing animalistic features (locusts, horses) to what are clearly supernatural, possibly demonic, entities. The passage heavily employs **Simile**, using "like unto" and "as it were" repeatedly to draw comparisons: "shapes... like unto horses," "crowns like gold," "faces... as the faces of men." This consistent use of simile emphasizes that John is describing a vision, a resemblance, rather than a literal, biological creature. The overall effect is one of **Apocalyptic Imagery**, designed to evoke awe, fear, and a sense of impending divine judgment, communicating spiritual truths through vivid, often grotesque, and composite pictures. The juxtaposition of human and animal features creates a creature that is both familiar and utterly alien, enhancing its terrifying nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:7 vividly portrays the nature of evil unleashed during divine judgment, emphasizing that even demonic forces are subject to God's ultimate control. The hybrid imagery of these locusts—part horse, part human, part crowned—symbolizes their destructive power, their malevolent intelligence, and their delegated, yet limited, authority. This passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the existence of powerful, intelligent evil entities that can be deployed by God for His purposes of judgment. It highlights that while humanity may face overwhelming spiritual opposition, the scope and duration of such forces are always circumscribed by divine sovereignty, offering a profound theological truth about God's absolute dominion over all creation, visible and invisible.

* [Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10-1-20 "Exodus 10:1-20 - The Plague of Locusts")
* [Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1-11 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord and the Locust Army")
* [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10-12 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Spiritual Battle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:7, while describing terrifying future events, offers profound insights for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual evil and the forces that oppose God's kingdom. The vivid, composite imagery of the locusts—their power, their deceptive appearance, their limited authority—should awaken us to the cunning and destructive nature of spiritual adversaries. Yet, crucially, this passage also reassures us of God's absolute sovereignty. Even the most fearsome manifestations of evil operate strictly within the boundaries set by God's divine will. This understanding should not lead to despair but to a deeper trust in God's protective power for those who are sealed by Him. It calls us to spiritual vigilance, to discern the true nature of the battle we are in, and to rely on the one who holds ultimate authority over all things, visible and invisible. Our response to such passages should be one of humble reverence for God's justice and unwavering confidence in His protective care for His faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the locusts in Revelation 9:7 challenge or confirm your understanding of spiritual evil and demonic forces?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's sovereignty, even over destructive forces, and how does that bring you comfort or conviction?**
* **Considering the "faces of men" on these creatures, what does this suggest about the nature of deception and malevolence in spiritual warfare?**
* **How does the limited power and duration of these locusts (as seen in the broader context of Revelation 9) encourage you to seek God's protection and remain faithful?**

### FAQ

**Are the locusts in Revelation 9:7 literal insects, or are they symbolic?**

Answer: The description of the locusts in [Revelation 9:7](/revelation/9-7 "Revelation 9:7 - Description of the Locusts") and the surrounding verses strongly indicates that they are not literal, natural insects. Their supernatural origin (from the [bottomless pit](/revelation/9-1-2 "Revelation 9:1-2 - The Opening of the Bottomless Pit")), their unique purpose (to torment only those without God's seal, not to eat vegetation), their king ([Abaddon/Apollyon](/revelation/9-11 "Revelation 9:11 - The King of the Locusts")), and their hybrid appearance (like warhorses, with human faces and golden crowns) all point to them being symbolic representations of demonic entities or spiritual forces unleashed during a specific period of divine judgment. John's apocalyptic vision uses vivid, often composite, imagery to convey spiritual realities and the nature of the judgments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:7 describes terrifying agents of judgment, it ultimately points to the ultimate triumph and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The "crowns like gold" on the heads of these demonic locusts are a mere semblance of authority, a temporary, delegated power. They stand in stark contrast to the true and eternal authority of Christ, who wears "many crowns" ([Revelation 19:12](/revelation/19-12 "Revelation 19:12 - Christ's Many Crowns")) as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings")). The destructive power of these creatures, though terrifying, is limited and ultimately subject to the will of God, who has given all authority to His Son ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). Furthermore, the distinction between those who are tormented and those who bear the "seal of God" ([Revelation 9:4](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - The Sealed are Protected")) foreshadows the ultimate protection and salvation found only in Christ. He is the one who delivers His people from the power of darkness ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")) and ensures their eternal security, even amidst the greatest tribulations. Thus, these terrifying images serve to magnify the absolute power, sovereign control, and saving grace of Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy to open the seals and execute ultimate justice and salvation ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah Opens the Scroll")).

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

Daniel 7:8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Nahum 3:17

Thy crowned [are] as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, [but] when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they [are].

Joel 2:4

The appearance of them [is] as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.

Joel 2:5

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Daniel 7:4

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.