King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:7 Mean?

Revelation 9:7 in the King James Version says “And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 9:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The locust-army's description employs symbolic imagery to depict demonic forces or divine judgment agents. Horses prepared for battle suggest military power; gold crowns indicate authority; human faces show intelligence beyond mere natural creatures. This apocalyptic symbolism communicates spiritual realities through vivid imagery. Reformed theology interprets such visions as revealing principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12) that operate in human history under God's sovereign permission. The terrifying description warns of judgment's severity while emphasizing that even demonic forces serve divine purposes, tormenting only those lacking God's seal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century readers familiar with locust plagues understood their devastating power. Military imagery recalled Parthian cavalry, Rome's feared eastern enemy. Joel's prophecy of locust armies provided Old Testament background. This fusion of natural plague, military threat, and supernatural horror communicated judgment's multi-faceted terror against the impenitent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that even terrifying judgment agents operate under God's sovereignty affect your understanding of evil's limits?
  2. What warning does this description give about the seriousness of remaining unsealed by God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 26
G3588

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

ὁμοιώματα3 of 26

the shapes

G3667

a form; abstractly, resemblance

τῶν4 of 26
G3588

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

ἀκρίδων5 of 26

of the locusts

G200

a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation)

ὅμοιοι6 of 26

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἵπποις7 of 26

unto horses

G2462

a horse

ἡτοιμασμένοις8 of 26

prepared

G2090

to prepare

εἰς9 of 26

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πόλεμον10 of 26

battle

G4171

warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)

καὶ11 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἐπὶ12 of 26

on

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

τὰς13 of 26
G3588

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

κεφαλὰς14 of 26

heads

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτῶν15 of 26

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

ὡς16 of 26

were as

G5613

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

στέφανοι17 of 26

crowns

G4735

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

ὅμοιοι18 of 26

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

χρυσῷ19 of 26

gold

G5557

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

καὶ20 of 26

And

G2532

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

τὰ21 of 26
G3588

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

πρόσωπα22 of 26

faces

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτῶν23 of 26

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

ὡς24 of 26

were as

G5613

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

πρόσωπα25 of 26

faces

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

ἀνθρώπων26 of 26

of men

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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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