Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The visionary narrator records a command issued to the locust swarm, restricting their activity to tormenting only those without God's seal for five months.
The words — ἐδόθη (edothē) means "it was granted" or "they were given power," and ἀποκτείνωσιν (apokteinōsin) means "they may kill." The conjunction ἵνα μὴ establishes a negative purpose clause that explicitly denies the locusts the authority to cause death.
The thread — The five-month duration and scorpion-like injury reappear in Revelation 9:10, while the pattern of divine permission limiting destructive power aligns with Job 2:6.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that the inflicted suffering is strictly bounded by divine authorization, preventing the torment from becoming lethal.
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 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.
Cross-references
- Revelation 9:10 They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months.
- Job 2:6 “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.”
- 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.
- Daniel 5:18 As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.
- Revelation 13:5 The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
- Revelation 13:7 Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.
- John 19:11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
- Revelation 11:7 When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them.
- Daniel 7:6 Next, as I watched, suddenly another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.