Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Revelation 9:3
What does Revelation 9:3 mean?
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Revelation 9:3
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These locusts are not ordinary insects; they are described as having the "power of scorpions," a subtle detail that highlights their supernatural ability to inflict pain and torment, not just consume. This scorpion-like power signals their destructive purpose is to torture humanity, unlike natural locusts which primarily devastate vegetation.
Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a star's fall from heaven and the opening of the bottomless pit, a thick smoke billows out, darkening the sky. From this smoke emerge locust-like creatures, but their power is not that of ordinary locusts; instead, they are given the ability to torment people, much like the painful sting of earthly scorpions. This plague is designed to afflict humanity for a specific period, not to destroy vegetation as typical locusts do.
Imagine a thick, choking smoke billowing from a deep abyss. From this darkness, not ordinary creatures, but a swarm of locusts emerges, empowered with a terrifying new ability.
This imagery in Revelation 9:3 draws from Old Testament plagues, specifically the locusts that darkened Egypt (Exodus 10). However, these aren't natural locusts. The smoke itself signifies deception, confusion, and spiritual darkness. These creatures, emerging from this smoke, represent forces that obscure truth and bring spiritual devastation. The commentators highlight that this isn't about literal insects, but about agents of spiritual harm, whether they be heresies, destructive ideologies, or harmful spiritual influences that spread like a plague.
These aren't just any locusts; they're given a power reminiscent of scorpions. What does this terrifying enhancement signify for those afflicted?
The verse states the locusts were given power 'like the power of scorpions of the earth.' This is a crucial distinction. Natural locusts consume and devastate, but scorpions inflict a painful, toxic sting. This comparison highlights that the affliction described here is not just destructive in a broad sense, but also involves deep, agonizing torment and suffering. It suggests a malicious, invasive, and deeply painful spiritual or psychological assault. Commentators point out that this power is unnatural, a conferred ability that enhances their destructive nature to inflict sharp, acute suffering on humanity.
Understand the original words
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akris · Greek Noun
Migratory insects used biblically to symbolize an unstoppable, destructive plague or army sent as divine judgment upon the wicked.
exousia · Greek Noun
Refers to the authorized ability, jurisdiction, or capacity granted by God to execute a specific task, even when delegated to demonic forces.
The imagery of locusts with scorpion-like stingers draws upon ancient memories of devastating natural plagues and symbolic representations of destructive forces, highlighting the terrifying, tormenting power unleashed upon humanity.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God unleashes ten devastating plagues upon Egypt, including a swarm of locusts that darkened the land, foreshadowing the destructive power of the locusts in Revelation.
c. 760 BC
Joel's Prophecy of Locusts
The prophet Joel describes a terrifying locust plague that consumes the land, darkening the sun and leaving devastation, serving as another biblical parallel for widespread destruction.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The powerful Assyrian empire exerts significant influence and military might across the ancient Near East, creating a backdrop of potential political and military upheaval.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportations
The Babylonians begin deporting Jewish elites to Babylon, marking the start of the exile and a period of intense suffering and spiritual testing for God's people.
c. AD 60-70
Early Roman Expansion and Influence
The Roman Empire continues its expansion, impacting the political landscape of the ancient world and setting the stage for future conflicts and tribulations.
c. AD 95— this verse
John Writes Revelation
The Apostle John, likely exiled on the island of Patmos, receives and writes the visions of Revelation during a time of intense persecution for early Christians under Roman rule.
This passage describes the devastating plague of locusts that covered the land of Egypt, providing a direct Old Testament parallel to the imagery of overwhelming swarms.
Joel 2:2-10Joel vividly portrays a terrifying locust invasion that darkens the land and brings destruction, echoing the visual and destructive impact of the locusts in Revelation.
Luke 10:19Jesus tells His disciples they have authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, highlighting the dangerous and harmful nature of scorpions, which is a key aspect of the torment these locusts inflict.
Psalm 78:46This psalm recounts God's judgment on Egypt, mentioning how locusts devoured their crops, illustrating the destructive power and totality of the devastation brought by such swarms.
Judges 7:12Here, locusts are used to describe the vast, innumerable host of the Midianites, emphasizing the sheer multitude and overwhelming presence of the locusts in Revelation.
ellicottRevelation 9:3: "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."
(3) And there came . . . —Better, And out of the smoke there came forth locusts upon the earth; and there was given to them power, as the scorpions of the earth (? land-scorpions) have power. The outcome of the gloom is the power of devastation and pain. We still have reference to the Egyptian plagues—this time to the locusts ( Exodus 10:12-15 ): “Th…
barnesRevelation 9:3: "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."
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth - That is, they escaped from the pit with the smoke. At first they were mingled with the smoke, so that they were not distinctly seen, but when the smoke cleared away they appeared in great numbers. The idea seems to be, that the bottomless pit was filled with vapor and with those creatures, and…
These locusts are not ordinary insects; they are described as having the "power of scorpions," a subtle detail that highlights their supernatural ability to inflict pain and torment, not just consume. This scorpion-like power signals their destructive purpose is to torture humanity, unlike natural locusts which primarily devastate vegetation.
Following a star's fall from heaven and the opening of the bottomless pit, a thick smoke billows out, darkening the sky. From this smoke emerge locust-like creatures, but their power is not that of ordinary locusts; instead, they are given the ability to torment people, much like the painful sting of earthly scorpions. This plague is designed to afflict humanity for a specific period, not to destroy vegetation as typical locusts do.
Following a star's fall from heaven and the opening of the bottomless pit, a thick smoke billows out, darkening the sky. From this smoke emerge locust-like creatures, but their power is not that of ordinary locusts; instead, they are given the ability to torment people, much like the painful sting of earthly scorpions. This plague is designed to afflict humanity for a specific period, not to destroy vegetation as typical locusts do.
"Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth." — These locusts are not ordinary insects; they are described as having the "power of scorpions," a subtle detail that highlights their supernatural ability to inflict pain and torment, not just consume…
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Last reviewed October 2026