Revelation 9 3

Revelation 9:3 kjv

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.

Revelation 9:3 nkjv

Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Revelation 9:3 niv

And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.

Revelation 9:3 esv

Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth.

Revelation 9:3 nlt

Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions.

Revelation 9 verses

Revelation 9 3 Meaning

Revelation 9:3 describes the emergence of an invading force from the smoke of the bottomless pit, resembling locusts. These entities are explicitly granted authority to inflict suffering, their power being akin to the painful sting of scorpions found on earth. This indicates a divine judgment that involves widespread torment rather than immediate death.

Revelation 9 3 Context

Revelation chapter 9 unfolds the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments. Prior to verse 3, the fifth angel blows his trumpet, leading to a "star fallen from heaven" being given the key to the bottomless pit (Rev 9:1). This star opens the abyss, from which an immense smoke billows forth, darkening the sun and air (Rev 9:2). Verse 3 is a direct continuation, describing what emerges from that smoke—supernatural locusts. The broader context of Revelation is a revelation of Jesus Christ's sovereignty, divine judgments upon an unrepentant world, and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. This particular judgment targets those who do not bear the seal of God, inflicting torment upon them, symbolizing a period of severe suffering designed to bring people to repentance, though many remain hardened (Rev 9:20-21).

Revelation 9 3 Word analysis

• Then (καὶ, kai): A connective conjunction, signaling sequence. It emphasizes the direct emergence of the locusts as an immediate consequence of the smoke from the opened abyss.
• out of the smoke (ἐκ τοῦ καπνοῦ, ek tou kapnou): Denotes origin. The locusts do not merely appear with the smoke but arise from it, suggesting the smoke itself is generative or provides the condition for their manifestation. This smoke, from the bottomless pit (Rev 9:2), signifies the realm of demonic forces and divine judgment.
• locusts (ἀκρίδες, akrides): While referencing the natural, devastating insect (as seen in Exodus and Joel), these are no ordinary locusts. Their description in subsequent verses (Rev 9:7-10) with human faces, women's hair, iron breastplates, and tails like scorpions clearly indicates a supernatural, demonic, or angelic army, symbolizing divine judgment. Their nature as a swarm emphasizes their overwhelming numbers and destructive capacity.
• came upon (ἐξῆλθον ἐπὶ, exēlthon epi): Signifies an invasive, aggressive movement. They are an invading force, not indigenous, arriving to execute their specific purpose.
• the earth (τὴν γῆν, tēn gēn): Specifies the realm of their operation. In Revelation, "the earth" often refers to the realm of the ungodly, those who resist God, contrasting with "heaven" or those "sealed by God."
• and to them (καὶ αὐταῖς, kai autais): Continues the description, emphasizing that the locusts themselves are the recipients of the power.
• was given power (ἐδόθη ἐξουσία, edothē exousia): This passive voice construction is crucial. It underscores that their power is not inherent or self-derived, but explicitly delegated by God. It points to divine sovereignty over evil and judgment; nothing, not even demonic activity, operates outside of God's permissive will (e.g., Job 1:12; Jn 19:11). The term exousia (authority, right, delegated power) distinguishes it from raw strength (dynamis).
• as (ὡς, hōs): A comparative particle. It specifies the nature or quality of the given power. It's not that they are scorpions, but that their effect or power resembles the characteristic power of scorpions.
• the scorpions (οἱ σκορπίοι, hoi skorpioi): Represents a specific type of torment. Scorpions are known for their extremely painful, but often non-fatal, sting. This contrasts with locusts which typically destroy life-sustaining crops. Here, the imagery emphasizes infliction of severe pain and torment, rather than complete annihilation.
• of the earth (τῆς γῆς, tēs gēs): Clarifies that the comparison is to natural scorpions, providing a recognizable frame of reference for the audience regarding the quality of pain.
• have power (ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν, echousin exousian): Reiteration of exousia, highlighting the inherent painful capacity of natural scorpions, which is the benchmark for the torment caused by these supernatural locusts.

Word-groups analysis:

• "out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth": This phrase links the immediate consequence of the abyss's opening (smoke) to the manifestation of the agents of judgment (locusts). It signifies an invasion, supernatural in origin, specifically directed at the inhabitants of the earth who are unsealed.
• "and to them was given power": This phrase underlines God's ultimate control. Even forces of darkness or judgment do not act autonomously but are instrumental in fulfilling God's will. Their authority is circumscribed and defined by divine permission.
• "as the scorpions of the earth have power": This clarifies the kind of judgment. It is not necessarily fatal devastation but a torment that produces intense suffering and agony, reflecting the sharp, excruciating, and debilitating pain of a scorpion's sting. It's a type of judgment focused on inflicting pain to incite repentance, although in Revelation, it often hardens hearts further.

Revelation 9 3 Bonus section

The nature of the locusts, combining various animal and human features as detailed later in Rev 9:7-10, prevents any simple, singular identification. They are composite creatures, a characteristic often found in prophetic literature (e.g., Daniel, Ezekiel) to symbolize powerful, often malevolent, forces or empires with unique, unsettling characteristics. The "five months" mentioned in Rev 9:5 for their torment aligns with the natural lifespan of locusts in their destructive phase, possibly suggesting a set, divinely ordained period for this specific affliction. This limited time frame underscores God's control, even over such fearsome agents. While terrifying, these judgments are not indiscriminate, highlighting divine precision in administering justice.

Revelation 9 3 Commentary

Revelation 9:3 serves as the introduction to the primary agents of the fifth trumpet judgment. It visually communicates an immediate, targeted, and painful divine action. The "locusts" are not literal insects but rather symbolic, potent, and supernaturally empowered entities emerging directly from the "smoke" of the "bottomless pit," signaling their demonic origin and a period of intensified judgment. Their power being "given" emphasizes that even these agents of distress are under the direct, sovereign control of God, underscoring that no chaos or suffering is outside His ultimate will. The comparison to the power of "scorpions" explicitly details the nature of this judgment: it is primarily one of agonizing torment, rather than immediate death or physical destruction of the land. This prolonged, intense suffering is aimed at a spiritual and emotional impact, highlighting a divine plea for humanity's repentance amidst their affliction. The targeting of their pain, detailed in the following verses (Rev 9:4-6), ensures that this is a precise and intentional act of divine justice, not random devastation.