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 9:3KJV
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Revelation 9:3 (KJV)

What does Revelation 9:3 mean?

Revelation 9:3 describes a moment in John’s vision where, out of the smoke rising from the abyss, locusts come onto the earth and are given power similar to that of earthly scorpions. These are not ordinary locusts, but symbolic creatures with the ability to harm, reflecting a judgment or torment allowed by God.

In this part of Revelation, John is recording what he sees as the fifth trumpet sounds. The smoke comes from a bottomless pit, and the locusts emerging from it are given authority to inflict pain, not just to eat crops. The comparison to scorpions emphasizes the painful, stinging nature of their power, highlighting the severity of the judgment being described.

The Greek behind Revelation 9:3

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "power"): This word means authority or the right to act. The locusts are not acting on their own, but are given a specific kind of authority, which highlights that their power is permitted and limited.
  • σκορπίοι (skorpioi, "scorpions"): The Greek word refers to the actual creature known for its painful sting. The comparison is not about appearance but about the effect—these locusts are allowed to torment like scorpions sting, not to destroy.
  • ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν (epi tēn gēn, "upon the earth"): This phrase makes clear that the judgment is directed at people living on earth, not just a symbolic or spiritual event.

Why Revelation 9:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the locusts are not literal insects but represent a form of judgment with power to harm, not to kill or consume vegetation, which is different from typical locust behavior.
  • The emphasis on the locusts being "given" power shows that their actions are under divine control and not random, underscoring the theme of God’s sovereignty throughout Revelation.
  • Understanding the symbolic use of scorpions helps the reader grasp the intensity and purpose of the torment described, connecting it to the broader message of warning and judgment in this section of the book.

Where else these words appear

“locusts” Greek G200 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Mark 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
  • Revelation 9:7 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.

“scorpions” Greek G4651 · used in 5 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
  • Revelation 9:5 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.

“smoke” Greek G2586 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
  • Revelation 9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
  • Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: