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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκρίδων
of the locusts
G200
ἀκρίδων
of the locusts
Strong's:
G200
Word #:
5 of 26
a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πόλεμον
battle
G4171
πόλεμον
battle
Strong's:
G4171
Word #:
10 of 26
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλὰς
heads
G2776
κεφαλὰς
heads
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
14 of 26
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 26
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
ὡς
were as
G5613
ὡς
were as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
στέφανοι
crowns
G4735
στέφανοι
crowns
Strong's:
G4735
Word #:
17 of 26
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
χρυσῷ
gold
G5557
χρυσῷ
gold
Strong's:
G5557
Word #:
19 of 26
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπα
faces
G4383
πρόσωπα
faces
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
22 of 26
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 26
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
ὡς
were as
G5613
ὡς
were as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
24 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Daniel 7:8I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.Nahum 3:17Thy crowned are as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.
Historical Context
First-century readers familiar with locust plagues understood their devastating power. Military imagery recalled Parthian cavalry, Rome's feared eastern enemy. Joel's prophecy of locust armies provided Old Testament background. This fusion of natural plague, military threat, and supernatural horror communicated judgment's multi-faceted terror against the impenitent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that even terrifying judgment agents operate under God's sovereignty affect your understanding of evil's limits?
- What warning does this description give about the seriousness of remaining unsealed by God?
Analysis & Commentary
The locust-army's description employs symbolic imagery to depict demonic forces or divine judgment agents. Horses prepared for battle suggest military power; gold crowns indicate authority; human faces show intelligence beyond mere natural creatures. This apocalyptic symbolism communicates spiritual realities through vivid imagery. Reformed theology interprets such visions as revealing principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12) that operate in human history under God's sovereign permission. The terrifying description warns of judgment's severity while emphasizing that even demonic forces serve divine purposes, tormenting only those lacking God's seal.