Revelation 9:19

For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails [were] like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

For {G1063} their {G846} power {G1849} is {G1526}{G2076} in {G1722} their {G846} mouth {G4750}, and {G2532} in {G1722} their {G846} tails {G3769}: for {G1063} their {G846} tails {G3769} were like {G3664} unto serpents {G3789}, and had {G2192} heads {G2776}, and {G2532} with {G1722} them {G846} they do hurt {G91}.

For the power of the horses was in their mouths — and also in their tails, for their tails were like snakes with heads, and with them they could cause injury.

For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes, having heads with which to inflict harm.

For the power of the horses is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails are like unto serpents, and have heads; and with them they hurt.

Commentary

Revelation 9:19 is a vivid and unsettling verse from the apocalyptic visions of John, describing the destructive power of a demonic army unleashed during the trumpet judgments. It details the unique and terrifying methods by which these supernatural entities inflict harm upon humanity.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive description of the Sixth Trumpet judgment, also known as the Second Woe, in the book of Revelation. Following the release of four angels bound at the great river Euphrates, an immense army of 200 million horsemen is unleashed. Unlike conventional cavalry, these entities are described with supernatural, monstrous features: their horses have heads like lions, and from their mouths issue fire, smoke, and brimstone. Verse 19 specifically elaborates on the dual source of their destructive capability, emphasizing their supernatural and terrifying nature as instruments of divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores the severe and unprecedented nature of God's judgments upon an unrepentant world. The graphic imagery highlights the intensity of the coming wrath.
  • Demonic Power and Destruction: The description of power emanating from both "mouth" and "tails" signifies a comprehensive and inescapable form of harm. The "tails like unto serpents, and had heads" symbolizes a cunning, deadly, and multi-faceted destructive force, reminiscent of ancient symbols of evil and deception.
  • Symbolic Imagery: As with much of Revelation, the language is highly symbolic. The 'mouth' likely refers to destructive pronouncements or direct assaults, while the 'tails' with heads like serpents suggests a secondary, insidious, or unexpected means of attack, perhaps through deception or venomous influence, echoing the serpent's original deception in Eden.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "power" here is exousia (ἐξουσία), which often denotes authority or delegated power. In this context, it points to the destructive capability and influence these entities possess, which is permitted by God as part of His judgment. The word for "hurt" is adikeo (ἀδικέω), meaning to do wrong, to injure, or to act unjustly, signifying the pain and suffering they inflict.

Practical Application

While the imagery is literal for some and symbolic for others, Revelation 9:19 serves as a potent reminder of several truths:

  • The Reality of Spiritual Evil: It affirms the existence of powerful, destructive spiritual forces. Believers are called to be aware of and prepared for such realities, as described in Ephesians 6:12.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: Even in the unleashing of such terrifying forces, God remains sovereign. These are instruments of His purpose, not independent powers.
  • The Call to Repentance: The severity of these judgments is intended to lead humanity to repentance. However, the subsequent verses (Revelation 9:20-21) tragically show that many will still refuse to turn from their sins, highlighting the stubbornness of the human heart against God's warnings.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 9:15 (3 votes)

    The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

  • Revelation 9:10 (3 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 4:14 (2 votes)

    That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;