Revelation 9:10

Authorized King James Version

And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔχουσιν
G2192
they had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
οὐραῖς
G3769
tails
a tail
#4
ὁμοίας
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#5
σκορπίοις
G4651
unto scorpions
a "scorpion" (from its sting)
#6
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
κέντρα
G2759
stings
a point ("center"), i.e., a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse)
#8
ἦν
G2258
there were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
οὐραῖς
G3769
tails
a tail
#12
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἐξουσία
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#16
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#17
ἀδικῆσαι
G91
was to hurt
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
#18
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἀνθρώπους
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#20
μῆνας
G3376
months
a month
#21
πέντε
G4002
five
"five"

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection