King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:2 Mean?

Revelation 9:2 in the King James Version says “And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun a...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.”

Revelation 9:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

2

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

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.

4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Read Revelation 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.... This verse from Revelation's vision of fifth and sixth trumpets - demonic torment and massive army, unrepentant humanity employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 9:2 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤνοιξεν2 of 28

“he opened”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τὸ3 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φρέατος4 of 28

“of the pit”

G5421

a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)

τῆς5 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀβύσσου6 of 28

“the bottomless”

G12

depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

καὶ7 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνέβη8 of 28

“there arose”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

καπνοῦ9 of 28

“a smoke”

G2586

smoke

ἐκ10 of 28

“by reason of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ11 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φρέατος12 of 28

“of the pit”

G5421

a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)

ὡς13 of 28

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καπνοῦ14 of 28

“a smoke”

G2586

smoke

καμίνου15 of 28

“furnace”

G2575

a furnace

μεγάλης16 of 28

“of a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ17 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐσκοτίσθη18 of 28

“were darkened”

G4654

to obscure (literally or figuratively)

ὁ19 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἥλιος20 of 28

“the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

καὶ21 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ22 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀὴρ23 of 28

“the air”

G109

"air" (as naturally circumambient)

ἐκ24 of 28

“by reason of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ25 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καπνοῦ26 of 28

“a smoke”

G2586

smoke

τοῦ27 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φρέατος28 of 28

“of the pit”

G5421

a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 2:10Genesis 19:28Joel 2:2Joel 2:30Isaiah 14:31Acts 2:19

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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