King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:6 Mean?

Revelation 9:6 in the King James Version says “And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 9:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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

Read Revelation 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.... 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 9:6 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 · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς3 of 23
G3588

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

ἡμέραις4 of 23

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείναις5 of 23

“those”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ζητήσουσιν6 of 23

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

οἱ7 of 23
G3588

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

ἄνθρωποι8 of 23

“shall men”

G444

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

τὸν9 of 23
G3588

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

θάνατος10 of 23

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

οὐχ12 of 23

“not”

G3756

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

εὑρήσουσιν13 of 23

“find”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν14 of 23

“it”

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

καὶ15 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπιθυμήσουσιν16 of 23

“shall desire”

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

ἀποθανεῖν17 of 23

“to die”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

καὶ18 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

φεύξεται19 of 23

“shall flee”

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

ὁ20 of 23
G3588

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

θάνατος21 of 23

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἀπ'22 of 23

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν23 of 23

“it”

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:30Jeremiah 8:3Revelation 6:16Isaiah 2:19Hosea 10:8Job 7:15-16

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