King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:4 Mean?

Revelation 9:4 in the King James Version says “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; b... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 9:4 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

6

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 9:4 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 · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἐῤῥέθη2 of 32

it was commanded

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτῶν3 of 32

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα4 of 32
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ5 of 32
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

αδικήσωσιν6 of 32

hurt

G91

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

τὸν7 of 32
G3588

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

χόρτον8 of 32

the grass

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

τῆς9 of 32
G3588

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

γῆς10 of 32

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

οὐδὲ11 of 32

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

πᾶν12 of 32

any

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

χλωρὸν13 of 32

green thing

G5515

greenish, i.e., verdant, dun-colored

οὐδὲ14 of 32

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

πᾶν15 of 32

any

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δένδρον16 of 32

tree

G1186

a tree

εἰ17 of 32
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ18 of 32
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τοὺς19 of 32
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπους20 of 32

those men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μόνους21 of 32

only

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

οἵτινες22 of 32

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

οὐκ23 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν24 of 32

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν25 of 32
G3588

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

σφραγῖδα26 of 32

the seal

G4973

a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or

τοῦ27 of 32
G3588

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

θεοῦ28 of 32

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπὶ29 of 32

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν30 of 32
G3588

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

μετώπων31 of 32

foreheads

G3359

the forehead (as opposite the countenance)

αὐτῶν32 of 32

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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