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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχουσιν
they had
G2192
ἔχουσιν
they had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κέντρα
stings
G2759
κέντρα
stings
Strong's:
G2759
Word #:
7 of 21
a point ("center"), i.e., a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσία
power
G1849
ἐξουσία
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
15 of 21
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀδικῆσαι
was to hurt
G91
ἀδικῆσαι
was to hurt
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
17 of 21
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
Cross References
Revelation 9:5And 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 9:3And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
Historical Context
Scorpion stings were common in the Near East, known for causing intense pain lasting hours or days. The imagery would immediately communicate severe suffering. Five months approximated a locust season's duration, suggesting natural plague elevated to supernatural intensity. Such specific details grounded apocalyptic visions in tangible experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the limited duration (five months) of judgment reveal God's mercy even in wrath?
- What does torment without death demonstrate about the seriousness of sin's consequences?
Analysis & Commentary
Scorpion-like tails with stings emphasize the localized, targeted nature of their torment. The five-month duration (v. 5, 10) suggests limited, measured judgment—not eternal hell but temporal warning. Scorpion venom causes excruciating pain without death, illustrating torment that cannot be escaped through death. Reformed theology sees such judgments as medicinal warnings, giving space for repentance before final judgment. The precise duration demonstrates God's sovereignty even in judgment's extent and timing—nothing occurs randomly or excessively.