Revelation 9:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

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
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#3
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
καπνοῦ
G2586
the smoke
smoke
#5
ἐξῆλθον
G1831
there came
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἀκρίδες
G200
locusts
a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation)
#7
εἰς
G1519
upon
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐδόθη
G1325
was given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#12
αὐταῖς
G846
unto them
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
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#14
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#15
ἔχουσιν
G2192
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#16
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#17
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σκορπίοι
G4651
the scorpions
a "scorpion" (from its sting)
#19
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection