Bible Strands
Revelation 9:3
And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — John records a vision immediately after the fifth trumpet blast opens the bottomless pit, as thick smoke darkens the sky and locusts emerge onto the earth.
The words — ἀκρίδες (akrides) literally means locusts, and ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon) indicates they came forth directly from the rising smoke.
The thread — The locust imagery echoes Joel 1:4’s description of successive swarms, while Revelation 9:5 and Deuteronomy 8:15 connect their scorpion-like power to divine judgment.
Why it lands — The text states these creatures are granted limited authority to torment only those without God’s seal, demanding recognition of sovereign judgment over human rebellion.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Joel 1:4 What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten.
- Revelation 9:5 The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion.
- Deuteronomy 8:15 He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint.
- Joel 2:25 I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you.
- Exodus 10:4 But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow.
- Judges 7:12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.
- 1 Kings 12:11 Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
- Revelation 9:10 They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months.
- Isaiah 33:4 Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it.
- Ezekiel 2:6 But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house.