King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:5 Mean?

Revelation 9:5 in the King James Version says “And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their tormen...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 9:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

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.

Read Revelation 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 9:5 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 · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἐδόθη2 of 22

“it was given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῶν3 of 22

“their”

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 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ5 of 22
G3361

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

ἀποκτείνωσιν6 of 22

“kill”

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

αὐτῶν7 of 22

“their”

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

ἀλλ'8 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἵνα9 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

βασανισθῶσιν10 of 22

“they should be tormented”

G928

to torture

μῆνας11 of 22

“months”

G3376

a month

πέντε12 of 22

“five”

G4002

"five"

καὶ13 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ14 of 22
G3588

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

βασανισμὸς15 of 22

“the torment”

G929

torture

αὐτῶν16 of 22

“their”

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

ὡς17 of 22

“was as”

G5613

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

βασανισμὸς18 of 22

“the torment”

G929

torture

σκορπίου19 of 22

“of a scorpion”

G4651

a "scorpion" (from its sting)

ὅταν20 of 22

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

παίσῃ21 of 22

“he striketh”

G3817

to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than g5180); specially, to sting (as a scorpion)

ἄνθρωπον22 of 22

“a man”

G444

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

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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 9:10Job 2:6Revelation 9:3Revelation 13:7Revelation 13:5Daniel 5:18-22

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