Revelation 9 9

Revelation 9:9 kjv

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.

Revelation 9:9 nkjv

And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.

Revelation 9:9 niv

They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.

Revelation 9:9 esv

they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle.

Revelation 9:9 nlt

They wore armor made of iron, and their wings roared like an army of chariots rushing into battle.

Revelation 9 verses

Revelation 9 9 Meaning

This verse continues the vivid description of the locust-like creatures from the bottomless pit. It highlights two key aspects of their terrifying appearance and nature: their powerful, impenetrable defense, symbolized by breastplates like iron, and their overwhelming, aggressive advance, indicated by the sound of their wings resembling a vast army of chariots rushing to battle. The imagery conveys invulnerability, immense destructive power, and an immediate, terrifying threat.

Revelation 9 9 Context

Revelation Chapter 9 describes the sounding of the Fifth and Sixth Trumpets, which unleash terrifying judgments upon the earth. Following the fall of a star, a key is given to the angel to open the bottomless pit, from which smoke and demonic locust-like creatures emerge. These are not natural locusts; they are depicted with supernatural characteristics, given power to torment for five months those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads, but explicitly forbidden to harm the grass, any green thing, or any tree. This verse, Rev 9:9, continues the detailed visual and auditory description of these unique creatures, emphasizing their formidable nature and the fear they instill as agents of divine judgment. They represent an oppressive, irresistible force, inflicting torment rather than outright death, upon an unrepentant humanity.

Revelation 9 9 Word analysis

• And they had: Links this description to the preceding one, indicating further characteristics of the locust-like entities.
• breastplates (Greek: θώρακες, thōrakes): Literally "chest armor." In military context, it signifies protection, defense, and preparedness for conflict. Here, it denotes invulnerability or a hardened state.
• as it were (Greek: ὡς, hōs): A crucial comparative particle indicating similitude, not identicality. The appearance is like something, suggesting a symbolic or metaphorical description rather than a literal one.
• breastplates of iron (Greek: σιδηροῦς, sidērous): Iron is consistently used in biblical literature to symbolize strength, hardness, rigidity, durability, and something unbreakable. Its inclusion emphasizes the extraordinary defense and resistance of these creatures, making them impervious to ordinary human attack or resistance. This signifies their formidable nature as instruments of divine judgment.
• and the sound (Greek: φωνὴ, phōnē): Refers to noise, voice, or sound. Here, it highlights an auditory characteristic that contributes to their terror-inducing presence. The impact is not just visual but also experiential through sound.
• of their wings (Greek: πτερύγων, apterygōn): Signifies mobility and swift movement. The noise of their wings emphasizes the collective force and vast numbers of these creatures.
• was as the sound (Greek: ὡς, hōs): Again, a simile, comparing the sound to something known and terrifying.
• of chariots (Greek: ἁρμάτων, harmatōn): In ancient warfare, chariots were formidable instruments of war, signifying power, speed, overwhelming force, and battle. They were a terrifying sight and sound on the battlefield, indicative of a professional, devastating army.
• of many horses (Greek: ἵππων πολλῶν, hippōn pollōn): Emphasizes the sheer multitude and scale of the approaching force. The power of a chariot lay in its horses, and "many horses" multiplies the sense of thunderous power and vast numbers. This reinforces the imagery of an immense, unstoppable army.
• running to battle (Greek: τρεχόντων εἰς πόλεμον, trechontōn eis polemon): A present participle indicating continuous, active, and purposeful movement. This signifies not just their potential for warfare but their current, active aggression, moving deliberately and swiftly into a state of conflict and torment.

Words-group analysis

• "breastplates of iron": This phrase conveys an impenetrable, unyielding defense. It implies that these creatures are highly resistant to any opposition or attempt to harm them. Their very appearance signifies invincibility and durability, serving God's specific purpose without being thwarted by human resistance.
• "the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle": This composite imagery powerfully evokes an overwhelming, terrifying, and thunderous advance. It combines speed (wings), massive collective force (many horses, chariots), destructive power (chariots for battle), and aggressive intent (running to battle). The auditory aspect signifies a force so immense and noisy that it can only be compared to the dread sound of a colossal, charging army, inspiring widespread fear and a sense of impending doom.

Revelation 9 9 Bonus section

• The iron breastplates underscore the fact that these are not ordinary insects susceptible to natural forces, but divinely empowered (or allowed) agents whose very being reflects a specific function of judgment.
• The symbolism of "iron" aligns with Old Testament descriptions of kingdoms of unyielding strength and power (e.g., Daniel's fourth kingdom) or tools of divine judgment. Their protective armor signifies that those whom God sends cannot be resisted by human effort.
• The comparison to chariots and horses running to battle is drawn from ancient warfare, an experience universally understood as devastating, loud, and awe-inspiring in its destructive potential. It reinforces the apocalyptic theme of judgment carried out with military precision and force.
• This verse contributes to the overall terrifying sensory experience of this plague – a sight that chills and a sound that deafens with terror – rather than merely describing an action. It aims to convey the emotional impact on those undergoing this judgment.
• Despite their terrifying power, these creatures are explicitly under God's control, with specific boundaries set for their activity (e.g., whom they may harm, duration of torment), showing that even the most dreadful judgments are part of a divine plan.

Revelation 9 9 Commentary

Revelation 9:9 contributes to the portrayal of the demonic locust-creatures as an irresistible and terrifying force of divine judgment. Their "breastplates of iron" denote their supernatural protection, signifying that no human weapon or defense can prevail against them. This imperviousness ensures they can fulfill their assigned task of torment without being repelled. The description of their wings' sound, like "chariots of many horses running to battle," vividly communicates their immense numbers, speed, and aggressive nature. This auditory imagery amplifies the visual description, portraying them not as mere insects but as a massive, thundering army of judgment. This combination of invulnerable defense and overwhelming assault makes them formidable agents of God's limited wrath, emphasizing that this torment is precise, relentless, and unavoidable for those targeted. It highlights the directness and terror of divine intervention.