Revelation 9:8

KJV

And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they had {G2192} hair {G2359} as {G5613} the hair {G2359} of women {G1135}, and {G2532} their {G846} teeth {G3599} were {G2258} as {G5613} the teeth of lions {G3023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like those of lions.

Berean Standard Bible

They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions.

American Standard Version

And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:8 vividly describes the appearance of the demonic "locusts" released from the bottomless pit, detailing two striking features: their hair resembling that of women and their teeth like those of lions. This verse contributes to the grotesque and terrifying imagery of these supernatural agents of divine judgment, emphasizing their unnatural hybridity, deceptive allure, and ferocious destructive capacity, all operating under God's sovereign permission to torment the unsealed inhabitants of the earth during the tribulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 9:8 is an integral part of the detailed description of the fifth trumpet judgment, which begins in [Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fifth Trumpet Sounds") with the opening of the bottomless pit and the release of these unique, demonic entities. The preceding verses establish their origin, their leader (Abaddon/Apollyon), and their specific mission: to torment, not kill, those who do not bear the seal of God on their foreheads for a period of five months, as outlined in [Revelation 9:4-5](/revelation/9-4-5 "Revelation 9:4-5 - The Demonic Locusts' Mission"). Verse 8, along with [Revelation 9:7](/revelation/9-7 "Revelation 9:7 - Description of the Locusts' Appearance") and [Revelation 9:9-10](/revelation/9-9-10 "Revelation 9:9-10 - Further Description of the Locusts"), paints a composite picture of these creatures, combining features from horses, men, women, lions, and scorpions, creating a monstrous and unnatural image designed to convey their terrifying nature and the severity of the torment they inflict. This detailed description serves to underscore the supernatural and malevolent character of the judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Revelation draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic traditions and common ancient Near Eastern symbolism, yet it reconfigures them in unique ways. Locust plagues were a well-known and devastating natural disaster in the ancient world, often viewed as a divine judgment (e.g., [Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10-1-20 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts")). However, the locusts of Revelation 9 are clearly supernatural, not natural. The comparison to "women's hair" might evoke ideas of seductive beauty, long hair as a symbol of glory or power, or even a deceptive appearance. Lions were universally recognized symbols of strength, ferocity, and predatory power, frequently used in biblical texts to depict destructive enemies or powerful rulers (e.g., [Proverbs 30:30](/proverbs/30-30 "Proverbs 30:30 - The Lion's Strength")). The hybrid nature of these creatures, combining human, animal, and insect features, resonates with ancient mythological creatures and apocalyptic visions (e.g., the beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts")), which often depicted composite beings to signify extraordinary power, unnaturalness, or demonic origin.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, demonstrating God's sovereign use of even terrifying supernatural entities to execute His judgments upon an unrepentant world, as seen throughout [Revelation 6-16](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6-16 - The Trumpet and Bowl Judgments"). Secondly, it underscores the **Nature of Spiritual Evil and Demonic Activity**, portraying malevolent forces that are both powerful and deceptive, operating under a specific, divinely permitted mandate to inflict torment, as emphasized in [Revelation 9:1-11](/revelation/9-1-11 "Revelation 9:1-11 - The Fifth Trumpet and Demonic Locusts"). Thirdly, the grotesque, hybrid imagery reinforces the theme of **Unnaturalness and Perversion**, depicting creatures that defy natural order, symbolizing the chaos and distortion that characterize the period of tribulation and the influence of evil. Finally, the distinction between those who are sealed by God and those who are not, alluded to in [Revelation 9:4](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - Those Protected by God's Seal"), reinforces the theme of **Divine Protection Amidst Judgment**, assuring believers of God's care even in the midst of overwhelming tribulation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hair (Greek, _thríx'_):** G2359. This word refers to hair, specifically that of the head. In this context, the comparison of the locusts' hair to that of "women" is highly significant. It introduces an element of human-like appearance, but specifically feminine, which can be interpreted as an unsettling or deceptive beauty, a seductive quality, or perhaps even a symbol of effeminacy or weakness that belies their true destructive nature. The repetition of "hair as the hair" emphasizes the direct comparison.
* **Women (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** G1135. This term simply means "a woman" or "a wife." Here, it specifies the type of hair, adding a layer of symbolic meaning to the locusts' appearance. The "hair of women" could imply an alluring or beautiful facade, contrasting sharply with their monstrous purpose. It might also suggest a deceptive softness or a perversion of natural roles, as these are fierce, tormenting creatures.
* **Lions (Greek, _léōn'_):** G3023. A primary word for "lion." The lion is a powerful and universally recognized symbol of strength, ferocity, and predatory behavior. The comparison of the locusts' teeth to those of lions immediately conveys their immense destructive capability and their ability to tear and devour. While their mission is torment, not death, the lion's teeth emphasize the severe, painful, and tearing nature of the affliction they inflict, indicating a predatory and relentless assault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they had hair as the hair of women":** This clause introduces a bizarre and unsettling feature of the demonic locusts. The comparison to "women's hair" suggests an element of human-like appearance, but specifically feminine, which could imply a deceptive beauty, an alluring facade, or an unnatural softness that masks their true destructive intent. It contributes to their hybrid, monstrous nature, making them distinct from any natural creature and adding a layer of disquieting perversion to their appearance.
* **"and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions":** This second clause immediately contrasts with the first, revealing the true, terrifying nature of these entities. The comparison to "lion's teeth" powerfully conveys their predatory, ferocious, and destructive capability. Lions are symbols of immense strength and the ability to tear and devour. This detail emphasizes the severe, painful, and tearing nature of the torment they are commissioned to inflict upon humanity, highlighting their brutal effectiveness in their destructive mission.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the direct comparisons "hair as the hair of women" and "teeth were as the teeth of lions." These similes create vivid mental images by likening the unknown and supernatural to familiar earthly forms, making the bizarre more comprehensible while simultaneously highlighting its unnaturalness. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play: "women's hair" can symbolize deceptive beauty, allure, or even a perversion of natural order, while "lion's teeth" powerfully symbolize predatory ferocity, destructive power, and the capacity for inflicting severe pain. Furthermore, the combination of these disparate features—human (women's hair), animal (lion's teeth), and insect (the broader context of locusts)—creates a form of **Chimeric Imagery** or **Grotesque Imagery**. This hybridity underscores the supernatural, unnatural, and terrifying nature of these entities, emphasizing that they are not of this world and represent a perversion of creation, serving as agents of divine wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:8, with its disturbing imagery, profoundly connects to the biblical themes of divine judgment, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the nature of unrepentant humanity. The grotesque description of these demonic locusts underscores the severity of God's wrath against a world that rejects Him, revealing that His judgments can take terrifying, supernatural forms. It also serves as a stark reminder of the malevolent power of spiritual evil, which, though formidable, operates strictly under God's sovereign control and within His ordained purposes. The contrast between the deceptive appearance and the destructive capability of these creatures reflects the insidious nature of evil, which often masks its true intent. Ultimately, the passage highlights the critical distinction between those who are sealed by God and those who are not, emphasizing the protective power of faith in Christ amidst escalating global tribulation.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")
* [2 Corinthians 11:14](/2_corinthians/11-14 "2 Corinthians 11:14 - Satan's Deception")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:8, while depicting a terrifying future judgment, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. The vivid imagery of these supernatural entities reminds us that evil is not merely an abstract concept but a powerful, active force in the world, often operating with deceptive appearances. This should prompt us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that what may seem alluring or harmless on the surface can harbor destructive intent. Furthermore, the passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, even over the most malevolent forces. These demonic agents are not unleashed chaotically but operate under divine permission and within specific boundaries, unable to harm those sealed by God. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that no evil, no matter how terrifying, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome those who belong to Him. It calls us to live lives of faithful obedience and spiritual preparedness, trusting in God's protective hand and seeking His seal of righteousness in a world increasingly susceptible to spiritual deception and judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "hair of women" juxtaposed with "teeth of lions" challenge or deepen your understanding of the nature of evil and deception?**
* **In what ways does this verse, despite its terrifying nature, reinforce your trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and control over all spiritual forces?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in your daily life, recognizing the subtle ways evil may present itself?**

### FAQ
**Are the "locusts" in Revelation 9:8 literal insects or symbolic entities?**

Answer: The "locusts" described in [Revelation 9:1-11](/revelation/9-1-11 "Revelation 9:1-11 - The Fifth Trumpet and Demonic Locusts") are clearly symbolic entities, not literal insects. While they are called "locusts," their description—having human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, breastplates of iron, and tails like scorpions—goes far beyond any natural creature. They emerge from the "bottomless pit" ([Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Bottomless Pit")), are led by a demonic king named Abaddon or Apollyon ([Revelation 9:11](/revelation/9-11 "Revelation 9:11 - Abaddon, King of the Locusts")), and their mission is to torment, not kill, those who do not have the seal of God ([Revelation 9:4-5](/revelation/9-4-5 "Revelation 9:4-5 - Their Tormenting Mission")). This composite, supernatural description indicates they are demonic agents of divine judgment, representing a terrifying spiritual force unleashed upon the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:8 describes agents of divine judgment and torment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the absolute authority and victory of Jesus Christ over all such demonic powers and the judgment they represent. These terrifying "locusts" are unleashed from the bottomless pit, but only under the sovereign permission of God, whose plan culminates in Christ's triumph. Jesus, as the Son of God, has already disarmed and triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys")), demonstrating His supreme authority over the very realm from which these creatures emerge. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the only escape from the wrath and judgment symbolized by these tormenting entities. Those who are "sealed" by God and protected from their torment ([Revelation 9:4](/revelation/9-4 "Revelation 9:4 - Protection for the Sealed")) are those who have put their faith in Jesus, 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")). Ultimately, the terrifying imagery of Revelation 9:8 serves to magnify Christ as the one who will return in power and glory to execute final judgment, cast all evil into the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")), and establish His eternal kingdom where no evil can ever again torment His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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

Joel 1:6

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth [are] the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

1 Corinthians 11:14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

1 Corinthians 11:15

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.

1 Peter 3:3

Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

2 Kings 9:30

¶ And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard [of it]; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

1 Timothy 2:9

¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Isaiah 3:24

And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.