Revelation 9:7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to read this as just a description of creepy bugs, but the text emphasizes that these locusts looked like horses prepared for battle and had faces like human faces. This isn't about the actual anatomy of an insect; it's about a terrifying visual distortion that suggests something more powerful and intelligent than just a swarm, hinting at intelligent, hostile forces at play.
In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces,
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is describing a terrifying, supernatural plague unleashed from the "bottomless pit." These strange, demonic creatures are unlike anything in nature, possessing a hybrid, terrifying appearance that blends insect, animal, and human features. This bizarre imagery serves to emphasize their alien and destructive nature as they are unleashed upon the earth.
John describes locusts that look like horses with human faces and golden crowns. What's going on here?
These aren't your garden-variety locusts! John is painting a picture of something terrifying and unnatural.
War Horses from the Abyss
The comparison to "horses prepared for battle" immediately signals danger and military might. This isn't just about a swarm; it's about an invading force. The ancient world recognized the resemblance between the head of a locust and that of a horse, so much so that some Italian names for locusts literally mean "little horse."
Human Faces, Not Just Bug Eyes
The inclusion of "human faces" is deeply unsettling. It suggests intelligence and intention behind the destruction, moving beyond mere natural disaster. This detail hints that the agents symbolized by these locusts are not simply mindless creatures but possess a disturbing, perhaps even deceptive, human-like quality.
Crowns of Conquest
Why 'crowns of gold' on these monstrous locusts? What does this detail reveal about their nature and mission?
The "crowns of gold" are a powerful symbol, adding a layer of regal, albeit sinister, authority to these locust-like beings.
A Royal Appearance
While not literal gold crowns, the appearance suggests something precious and royal. This could signify their conquering nature and the dominion they will exert. Commentators have linked these to the head-dresses or turbans worn by certain peoples, suggesting a historical or cultural connection.
Ask a follow-up
Symbol of Dominion
More than just adornment, these crowns speak of authority and power. They imply that these forces, though destructive, are operating under a specific, granted authority – a kind of dark royalty. This imagery also contrasts sharply with the natural locust, emphasizing that these are not ordinary creatures but supernatural agents of judgment.
The Glitter of Falsehood
Gold can represent purity and divinity, but here it's "like gold," suggesting a deceptive imitation. It hints at a power that mimics true authority but is ultimately false and leads to ruin.
Understand the original words
akris · Greek Noun
Migratory insects that devour vegetation in massive swarms, frequently used in Scripture as symbols of divine judgment and irresistible destruction.
stephanos · Greek Noun
A symbol of authority, victory, and sovereignty; in a biblical context, it often refers to reward, glory, or royal power bestowed by God or assumed by human rulers.
The vivid imagery of locusts resembling horses with crowns and human faces likely points to the rapid, far-reaching, and transformative military conquests of the early Islamic Arab armies, whose unique appearance and swift expansion profoundly impacted the regions they encountered.
c. 610 AD
Muhammad's Revelations Begin
Muhammad begins receiving revelations that form the basis of the Quran. This marks the emergence of Islam, a movement that would soon spread rapidly.
630s - 650s AD
Rapid Islamic Conquests
Under the leadership of Muhammad and his immediate successors, Arab Muslim armies begin swift and extensive military campaigns, conquering vast territories.
630s AD— this verse
Arabian Campaigns
Islamic forces rapidly conquer Byzantine and Sasanian territories in the Middle East, including Syria, Palestine, and Persia, demonstrating exceptional military prowess.
711 - 732 AD
Expansion into Europe
Islamic armies push further into Europe, conquering the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and reaching as far north as Gaul (modern France) before being halted.
c. 8th - 10th Centuries AD
Caliphates Established
The Umayyad and later Abbasid Caliphates solidify vast empires, ruling diverse populations and continuing military and cultural expansion.
This passage from Joel provides a direct parallel, describing locusts that look like horses prepared for battle, directly influencing the imagery used in Revelation.
Nahum 3:17This verse mentions 'crowned men' as being like locusts, creating a connection between the imagery of locusts and figures of authority or conquest that wear crowns.
Ezekiel 23:42This passage speaks of 'men of the desert' coming against the unfaithful woman, and while not directly mentioning locusts, it uses similar language of invasion and judgment from outside forces that could be symbolized by locusts.
Job 39:20This verse describes the war-horse's terrifying appearance and might, which shares thematic similarities with the locusts being 'prepared for battle' and their intimidating, horse-like forms.
ellicottRevelation 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."
(7) And the shapes . . . —Translate, And the shapes (or, forms) of the locusts were like horses made ready for war. The resemblance of the locust to the horse (especially in the head) has been remarked upon by travellers, and has found expression in the Italian and German names cavalletta and heupferd. The rese…
barnesRevelation 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."
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared for battle - The resemblance between the locust and the horse, dissimilar as they are in most respects, has been often remarked. Dr. Robinson (Bib. Research. i. 59) says: "We found today upon the shrubs an insect, either a species of black locust, or…
It's easy to read this as just a description of creepy bugs, but the text emphasizes that these locusts looked like horses prepared for battle and had faces like human faces. This isn't about the actual anatomy of an insect; it's about a terrifying visual distortion that suggests something more powerful and intelligent than just a swarm, hinting at intelligent, hostile forces at play.
John is describing a terrifying, supernatural plague unleashed from the "bottomless pit." These strange, demonic creatures are unlike anything in nature, possessing a hybrid, terrifying appearance that blends insect, animal, and human features. This bizarre imagery serves to emphasize their alien and destructive nature as they are unleashed upon the earth.
John is describing a terrifying, supernatural plague unleashed from the "bottomless pit." These strange, demonic creatures are unlike anything in nature, possessing a hybrid, terrifying appearance that blends insect, animal, and human features. This bizarre imagery serves to emphasize their alien and destructive nature as they are unleashed upon the earth.
"In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces," — It's easy to read this as just a description of creepy bugs, but the text emphasizes that these locusts looked like horses prepared for battle and had faces like human faces. This isn't about the…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
