Revelation 9 7

Revelation 9:7 kjv

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 nkjv

The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.

Revelation 9:7 niv

The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces.

Revelation 9:7 esv

In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces,

Revelation 9:7 nlt

The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. They had what looked like gold crowns on their heads, and their faces looked like human faces.

Revelation 9 verses

Revelation 9 7 Meaning

Revelation 9:7 describes the terrifying and hybrid appearance of the locust-like creatures that emerge from the Abyss as part of the fifth trumpet judgment. Their forms resemble horses equipped for war, indicating their swift, powerful, and destructive military nature. On their heads, they bear what appear to be crowns made to look like gold, suggesting a mock royalty, false authority, or a deceptive sense of triumph. Furthermore, their faces possess human-like features, signifying intelligence, cunning, and malevolence, distinguishing them from mere insects and highlighting their deliberate, sentient agency in their destructive task.

Revelation 9 7 Context

Revelation chapter 9 describes the events that follow the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets, which unleash two "woes" upon the earth. Verse 7 specifically provides the chilling details of the appearance of the first "woe," the locusts that emerge from the bottomless pit (Rev 9:1-3). These are not ordinary insects but supernatural entities given permission by God to torment (not kill) those who do not possess the seal of God (Rev 9:4-6) for five months (Rev 9:5). This verse (9:7) vividly depicts their composite and terrifying form, underscoring their unique nature as instruments of divine judgment and distinguishing them from typical destructive plagues. Within the broader context of Revelation, this judgment fits into the escalating series of judgments poured out upon the unrepentant world, revealing the severe consequences of rejecting God. Historically, John was writing to churches facing persecution in the Roman Empire, and the imagery would evoke a sense of immense, organized power akin to Roman legions, yet corrupted and demonically influenced, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty even over destructive forces.

Revelation 9 7 Word analysis

• And the shapes (μορφαὶ - morphai): Refers to their outward forms or appearance. This immediately signals that these are not natural locusts, but rather beings with a distinctive and disturbing manifestation, emphasizing their visual terror and unique design.
• of the locusts (ἀκρίδων - akridōn): While called "locusts," the detailed description following clarifies that these are extraordinary, symbolic creatures. The term "locusts" draws upon deep Old Testament imagery of overwhelming, destructive, and numerous swarms, often associated with divine judgment (e.g., Ex 10, Joel 1-2).
• were like unto (ὅμοιοι - homoioi): The recurring use of "like" (or "as it were" / "as") is critical. It indicates similitude, not identicality. These beings are similar to horses, crowns, and men, but not truly them, enhancing the eerie, hybrid, and often deceptive nature of apocalyptic imagery.
• horses (ἵπποις - hippois): Horses in biblical and ancient cultures were frequently associated with warfare, swiftness, power, and military might (e.g., Jer 46:9, Zech 6, Rev 6). This simile conveys their military purpose and strength.
• prepared (ἡτοιμασμένοι - hetoimasmenoi): Signifies active readiness and purposeful equipping. These are not random or accidental entities; they are specifically trained, armed, and ready for their destructive mission, suggesting discipline and intention.
• unto battle (εἰς πόλεμον - eis polemon): Explicitly states their function. Their presence is for engagement in a spiritual or physical conflict, rather than simply consuming crops, further solidifying their nature as an invading army.
• and on their heads (καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν): Highlights a significant part of their being, often associated with identity, authority, and distinguishing features.
• were as it were (ὡς - hōs): Another "as" (like), reinforcing that what they wear is an imitation or a symbolic appearance rather than a true or rightful emblem.
• crowns (στέφανοι - stephanoi): This term refers to a victor's wreath or garland, sometimes used for royalty or honor (distinct from diadema, a kingly diadem). Their possession of these "crowns" suggests assumed authority, mock victory, or conquest over others.
• like gold (ὅμοιοι χρυσῷ - homoioi chryso): They only appear golden. This subtle detail points to their counterfeit or deceptive nature. They have the semblance of valuable, kingly authority, but it is not genuine or intrinsic, hinting at superficiality or illusion.
• and their faces (καὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν): The face conveys expression, intelligence, and identity.
• were as the faces of men (ὡς πρόσωπα ἀνθρώπων): This attribute grants them a chilling, sentient quality beyond that of mere animals or insects. It implies intelligence, cunning, malice, and purposefulness, making them capable of intentional torment. It connects them to corrupted human will or demonic entities expressing intelligent evil.

Words-Group Analysis

• "the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle": This phrase directly transforms the image of a natural plague (locusts) into a militarized force. It evokes a sense of organized, aggressive invasion, combining the overwhelming numbers of a locust swarm with the deliberate, destructive power of an army ready for war. This sets the stage for understanding their mission as one of calculated torment.
• "on their heads were as it were crowns like gold": This combination of images immediately establishes a deceptive grandeur. They wear crowns, symbolizing authority or victory, but the "as it were" and "like gold" suggest a mimicry or a false front. Their kingship or triumph is either self-proclaimed, delegated by evil, or an imitation of true, divine authority, emphasizing their superficial power.
• "their faces were as the faces of men": This chilling detail imbues the destructive creatures with intellect and possibly malevolence. They are not mindless, instinct-driven beasts but possess a sinister intelligence and perhaps individuality, allowing for purposeful and sadistic torment. It adds a disturbing layer of human-like cunning to their already terrifying appearance.

Revelation 9 7 Bonus section

• These entities, described in Rev 9:7 and surrounding verses, are agents of the "first woe" (Rev 9:12), highlighting the severity of the trumpet judgments.
• Their origin from the "bottomless pit" (Rev 9:1) signifies their demonic or hellish nature, emphasizing that this is a spiritual force unleashed.
• The "crowns" (stephanoi) are a significant contrast to the diadem (diadema) worn by true kings or Christ (Rev 19:12), reinforcing that their authority is a mock-authority or a temporary permission granted, rather than inherent or true sovereignty.
• The elaborate description aims to depict a creature so monstrous and unnatural that it evokes deep fear and highlights the unique, supernatural character of the divine judgments during the end times. They represent a perversion of power, wisdom, and royalty, applied to a destructive and tormenting end.

Revelation 9 7 Commentary

Revelation 9:7 masterfully crafts a visual paradox, depicting instruments of divine judgment through hybrid, unsettling imagery. These are not ordinary locusts, but supernatural beings uniquely equipped and designed for a specific purpose: torment. Their form, "like unto horses prepared unto battle," instantly conveys their organized, military effectiveness and swiftness in executing judgment. This directly contrasts with the often-chaotic movement of natural locusts, emphasizing a controlled, strategic action. The "crowns like gold" are profoundly symbolic; they signify authority and conquest but are deliberately described with qualifiers ("as it were," "like gold"). This suggests that their authority is borrowed, illegitimate, or counterfeit, granted for a time by God but reflecting an ironic, temporary dominion. This could also imply a deceptive allure. The most unnerving detail is their "faces... as the faces of men." This imbues them with a sinister intelligence and malevolence far beyond that of a mere insect, indicating that their torment is deliberate, calculated, and perhaps even cruelly artistic. This combination creates a terrifying image of intelligent, military, and falsely regal agents of wrath, embodying destructive power, cunning, and deceptive glory for the torment of the ungodly. Their entire description underscores their unique supernatural nature and divine authorization as part of God's unfolding plan of judgment on an unrepentant world.