Revelation 9:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

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
ἐδόθη
G1325
it was given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#3
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
#4
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#5
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#6
ἀποκτείνωσιν
G615
kill
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#7
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
#8
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#9
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
βασανισθῶσιν
G928
they should be tormented
to torture
#11
μῆνας
G3376
months
a month
#12
πέντε
G4002
five
"five"
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
βασανισμὸς
G929
the torment
torture
#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
ὡς
G5613
was as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#18
βασανισμὸς
G929
the torment
torture
#19
σκορπίου
G4651
of a scorpion
a "scorpion" (from its sting)
#20
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#21
παίσῃ
G3817
he striketh
to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than g5180); specially, to sting (as a scorpion)
#22
ἄνθρωπον
G444
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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