What does Revelation 9:5 mean?
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. Revelation 9:5
Explanation
Revelation 9:5 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically from the Book of Revelation, which is a prophetic book dealing with end-times events. The verse forms part of the narrative concerning the fifth trumpet or the first woe, which introduces a plague of what seems to be demonic locusts. These creatures are allowed to torment the unsealed people on earth for five months, but they are forbidden to kill them. The torment they inflict is likened to the pain caused by a scorpion’s sting, illustrating the severity and intensity of the suffering.
Historical Context
The Book of Revelation was likely written by John of Patmos near the end of the first century AD. This period was marked by persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, political turmoil, and apocalyptic expectation. Many early Christians believed that they were living in the end times and that Christ’s return was imminent. As such, this verse may have been intended to offer a prophetic view of future divine judgments but could also be reflecting the trials and tribulations of its contemporary audience.
Theological Insights
Different theological perspectives interpret this verse in various ways:
- Futurist View: It suggests that these events are literal and will occur in the future.
- Preterist View: It interprets the locusts symbolically, referring to historical events like invasions or persecutions at the time of the early Church.
- Spiritual/Historicist View: From this angle, the torment caused by the locusts can represent spiritual battles and moral decay throughout the history of the Church.
Practical Applications
Revelation 9:5 encourages believers to reflect on the nature of suffering and endurance. It can be used to reinforce the importance of faithfulness during trials, as well as the assurance that while suffering may be severe, it is under God’s control and is temporary. This verse may also prompt Christians to consider their spiritual readiness for trials and tribulations.
Cross-References
- Revelation 9:3 “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 9:10 “And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.”
- Joel 2:4-5 “The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.”
- Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Language Study
Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:
- “tormented” (βασανισθῶσιν – basanisthōsin): It means to be tested, or to be put to the test, which in context entails inflicting severe pain.
- “five months” (πέντε μήνας – pente mēnas): Five is often symbolic of grace or half of ten, which symbolizes completeness, indicating a limited period.
- “scorpion” (σκορπίου – skorpíou): Refers to a venomous creature whose sting represents severe pain and suffering.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparison to other myths and religious interpretations:
- Ancient Near Eastern texts have similar references to demonic creatures as agents of divine punishment.
- In many cultures, scorpions are seen as symbols of pain, evil, or supernatural harm.
Scientific Perspectives
From a modern scientific understanding, scorpion venom comprises a complex mix of neurotoxins and compounds that can cause significant pain and, in some cases, physiological reactions leading to death. The mention of a scorpion’s sting in Revelation may be symbolic of the precision and acuteness of the torment described.
Commentaries
Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Revelation 9:5:
- Some suggest it refers to a spiritual attack on the soul and conscience of individuals, as the scorpion’s sting is associated with acute pain and suffering.
- Others view the locusts as symbolic of armies or forces of destruction, inflicting pain but not death, signifying a divine limit imposed on the extent of suffering.
- The time span of “five months” is sometimes connected to a period of testing or a predefined limitation of suffering.