Revelation 9:1
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἀστέρα (astera), “a star”
Basic meaning: star. Strong’s: a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: star
Word root: probably from the base of G4766 (στρώννυμι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Jesus the Star Owner of the Bottomless Pit!”
In this verse: κλεὶς (kleis), “key”
Basic meaning: key. Strong’s: a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: key
Word root: from G2808 (κλείω);
Revelation 9:2
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: φρέαρ (phrear), “pit”
Basic meaning: well/abyss. Strong’s: a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e. a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison).
KJV translates it as: well, pit
Word root: of uncertain derivation;
In this verse: καμίνου (kaminou), “of a furnace”
Basic meaning: furnace/oven. Strong’s: a furnace.
KJV translates it as: furnace
Word root: probably from G2545 (καίω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The smoke rising from the pit, described like the smoke of a great furnace, reflects the weight of judgment, the finality of death, and what once symbolized destruction and fear.”
In this verse: ἐσκοτώθη (eskotōthē), “was darkened”
Basic meaning: to darken. Strong’s: to obscure or blind (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: be full of darkness
Word root: from G4655 (σκότος);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads ἐσκοτίσθη (eskotisthē) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““ The sun and the air were darkened” This recalls the darkness at Jesus crucifixion ( Matthew 27:45 ), showing how creation responded to the weight of the cross.”
In this verse: ἀὴρ (aēr), “air”
Basic meaning: air. Strong’s: by analogy, to blow); "air" (as naturally circumambient).
KJV translates it as: air
Word root: from (to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire;
Revelation 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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἀκρίδες (akrides), “locusts”
Basic meaning: locust. Strong’s: a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation).
KJV translates it as: locust
Word root: apparently from the same as G206 (ἄκρον);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The imagery of devouring connects directly to Jesus' words, "The harvest is great, but the laborer's are few." The locusts are well equipped for this divine mission.”
In this verse: ἐξουσία (exousia), “power”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The opening of the furnace, understood as the altar of Jesus as sacrifice, releases a cloud of smoke that fills the spiritual temple of God, a symbol of the glory and power of God being released through the finished work of Jesus.”
Revelation 9:4
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: σφραγῖδα (sphragida), “seal”
Basic meaning: seal. Strong’s: a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: seal
Word root: probably strengthened from G5420 (φράσσω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The command makes clear that God knows His own those sealed in their foreheads, marked by the Spirit and makes a sharp division between those who are rooted in Jesus and those who are not.”
In this verse: θεοῦ (theou), “of God”
Basic meaning: God. Strong’s: figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
KJV translates it as: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Word root: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588 (ὁ)) the supreme Divinity;
Revelation 9:5
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: σκορπίου (skorpiou), “of a scorpion”
Basic meaning: scorpion. Strong’s: a "scorpion" (from its sting).
KJV translates it as: scorpion
Word root: probably from an obsolete (perhaps strengthened from the base of G4649 (σκοπός) and meaning to pierce);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The truth spoken in righteousness becomes a torment to those who reject it, a deep inner disturbance, likened to the sting of a scorpion.”
In this verse: παίσῃ (paisē), “it may strike”
Basic meaning: to strike. Strong’s: to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than G5180 (τύπτω)); specially, to sting (as a scorpion).
KJV translates it as: smite, strike
Word root: a primary verb;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““ Torment as a scorpion when he striketh a man” The sting is sharp, personal, and hard to ignore, like the truth of God’s Word that pierces the soul ( Hebrews 4:12 ).”
Revelation 9:6
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ζητήσουσιν (zētēsousin), “will seek”
Basic meaning: to seek. Strong’s: to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life).
KJV translates it as: be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means)
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those who reject Jesus will desperately seek death as an escape, but death flees from them, leaving them trapped in anguish and despair.”
In this verse: θάνατον (thanaton), “death”
Basic meaning: death. Strong’s: (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: X deadly, (be…) death
Word root: from G2348 (θνήσκω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those who reject Jesus will desperately seek death as an escape, but death flees from them, leaving them trapped in anguish and despair.”
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ὁμοιώματα (homoiōmata), “appearance”
Basic meaning: likeness. Strong’s: a form; abstractly, resemblance.
KJV translates it as: made like to, likeness, shape, similitude
Word root: from G3666 (ὁμοιόω);
In this verse: ἀκρίδων (akridōn), “locusts [was]”
Basic meaning: locust. Strong’s: a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation).
KJV translates it as: locust
Word root: apparently from the same as G206 (ἄκρον);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The locusts, representing the Church empowered by the Spirit, are described as fierce and ready for battle, like horses trained for war.”
In this verse: στέφανοι (stephanoi), “crowns”
Basic meaning: crown. Strong’s: 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 fillet, G1238 (διάδημα)), literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: crown
Word root: from an apparently primary (to twine or wreathe);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
““ On their heads... crowns like gold” These crowns represent victory crowns (stephanos) , not royal diadems showing that believers are overcomers crowned by Jesus.”
Revelation 9:8
And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: γυναικῶν (gunaikōn), “of women”
Basic meaning: woman. Strong’s: a woman; specially, a wife.
KJV translates it as: wife, woman
Word root: probably from the base of G1096 (γίνομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The hair like that of women symbolizes the glory of God resting on the Church, a sign of beauty, honor, and divine presence.”
Revelation 9:9
And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἁρμάτων (harmatōn), “of chariots”
Basic meaning: chariot. Strong’s: a chariot (as raised or fitted together (compare G719 (ἁρμός))).
KJV translates it as: chariot
Word root: probably from G142 (αἴρω) (perhaps with G1 (Α) (as a particle of union) prefixed);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Wings suggest the swift activity of the Spirit, while chariots connect to thrones and authority in Scripture.”
In this verse: τρεχόντων (trechontōn), “rushing”
Basic meaning: to run. Strong’s: compare G2359 (θρίξ)); which uses (the base of G1408 (δρόμος)) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: have course, run
Word root: apparently a primary verb (properly, ;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The sound of their wings, likened to the noise of many chariots rushing to battle, speaks of the Church’s powerful, effective movement in spreading God’s Kingdom.”
Revelation 9:10
And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: κέντρα (kentra), “stingers”
Basic meaning: sting. Strong’s: a point ("centre"), i.e. a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse).
KJV translates it as: prick, sting
Word root: from (to prick);
In this verse: ἐξουσία (exousia), “power”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
Revelation 9:11
And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: Ἀβαδδών (Abaddōn), “[is] Abaddon”
Basic meaning: Abaddon. Strong’s: a destroying angel.
KJV translates it as: Abaddon
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H011);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
““ Abaddon” (Hebrew) and “Apollyon” (Greek) Both names mean “Destroyer”, Jesus is the destroyer of death and the devil’s power ( Hebrews 2:14 ).”
In this verse: Ἀπολλύων (Apolluōn), “Apollyon”
Basic meaning: Apollyon. Strong’s: a destroyer (i.e. Satan).
KJV translates it as: Apollyon
Word root: active participle of G622 (ἀπόλλυμι);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
““ Abaddon” (Hebrew) and “Apollyon” (Greek) Both names mean “Destroyer”, Jesus is the destroyer of death and the devil’s power ( Hebrews 2:14 ).”
Revelation 9:12
One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: ἔρχεται (erchetai), “are coming”
Basic meaning: to come/go. Strong’s: to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively).
KJV translates it as: accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next …
Word root: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads ἔρχονται (erchontai) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
Revelation 9:13
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
Greek words · 2
In this verse: θυσιαστηρίου (thusiastēriou), “altar”
Basic meaning: altar. Strong’s: a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative).
KJV translates it as: altar
Word root: from a derivative of G2378 (θυσία);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This altar is not earthly, but set in heaven, showing that the authority of the Gospel and the power of Jesus sacrifice is established in the eternal realm, unshakable and divine.”
In this verse: θεοῦ (theou), “God”
Basic meaning: God. Strong’s: figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
KJV translates it as: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Word root: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588 (ὁ)) the supreme Divinity;
Revelation 9:14
Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: σάλπιγγα· (salpinga), “trumpet”
Basic meaning: trumpet. Strong’s: a trumpet.
KJV translates it as: trump(-et)
Word root: perhaps from G4535 (σάλος) (through the idea of quavering or reverberation);
In this verse: Εὐφράτῃ (Euphratē), “Euphrates”
Basic meaning: Euphrates. Strong’s: Euphrates, a river of Asia.
KJV translates it as: Euphrates
Word root: of foreign origin (compare H06578);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“Great river Euphrates.= great river of life "Jesus"”
Revelation 9:15
And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἐλύθησαν (eluthēsan), “were released”
Basic meaning: to loose. Strong’s: to "loosen" (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off
Word root: a primary verb;
In this verse: ἐνιαυτὸν (eniauton), “year”
Basic meaning: year. Strong’s: a year.
KJV translates it as: year
Word root: prolongation from a primary (a year);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The phrase, “prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year,” is not a cryptic countdown to future destruction, it is heaven’s way of declaring that the cross was no accident.”
Revelation 9:16
And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: ἱππικοῦ (hippikou), “cavalry [was]”
Basic meaning: horseman. Strong’s: the cavalry force.
KJV translates it as: horse(-men)
Word root: neuter of a derivative of G2462 (ἵππος);
Revelation 9:17
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: πυρίνους (purinous), “fiery”
Basic meaning: fiery. Strong’s: fiery, i.e. (by implication) flaming.
KJV translates it as: of fire
Word root: from G4443 (πυρά);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This reflects the transition from defensive righteousness to offensive Spirit-filled mission, confronting darkness with fiery zeal.”
In this verse: ὑακινθίνους (hu'akinthinous), “hyacinthine”
Basic meaning: dark blue. Strong’s: "hyacinthine" or "jacinthine", i.e. deep blue.
KJV translates it as: jacinth
Word root: from G5192 (ὑάκινθος);
In this verse: θειώδεις (theiōdeis), “brimstone”
Basic meaning: sulphurous. Strong’s: sulphur-like, i.e. sulphurous.
KJV translates it as: brimstone
Word root: from G2303 (θεῖον) and 1491;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“But now they are described as breastplates of fire, jacinth, and brimstone, showing that the Church is not only righteous but empowered by the Holy Spirit with a consuming judgment.”
In this verse: πῦρ (pur), “fire”
Basic meaning: fire. Strong’s: "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning).
KJV translates it as: fiery, fire
Word root: a primary word;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Spirit Empowerment and Judgment Now described as breastplates of fire (Rev 9:17 ), showing the Church is not only protected but actively empowered and purified by the Holy Spirit ( Acts 2:3; Isaiah 6:6–7 ).”
Revelation 9:18
By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: πυρὸς (puros), “fire”
Basic meaning: fire. Strong’s: "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning).
KJV translates it as: fiery, fire
Word root: a primary word;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The fire, smoke, and brimstone coming from the mouths of the Church represent the Spirit-empowered power of Jesus atonement working through the Gospel message.”
In this verse: θείου (theiou), “brimstone”
Basic meaning: sulfur. Strong’s: sulphur.
KJV translates it as: brimstone
Word root: probably neuter of G2304 (θεῖος) (in its original sense of flashing);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The fire, smoke, and brimstone coming from the mouths of the Church represent the Spirit-empowered power of Jesus atonement working through the Gospel message.”
Revelation 9:19
For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἐξουσία (exousia), “power”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads ἐξουσίαι (exousiai) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This verse highlights the two-sided nature of the Church’s spiritual power, like a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.”
In this verse: ὄφεσιν (ophesin), “as serpents”
Basic meaning: snake. Strong’s: a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan.
KJV translates it as: serpent
Word root: probably from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι) (through the idea of sharpness of vision);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“But the tails, described as serpents with heads, indicate that the Word’s influence extends both forward and backward, spreading from every angle with precision and impact.”
Revelation 9:20
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Greek words · 4
In this verse: μετενόησαν (metenoēsan), “repented”
Basic meaning: to repent. Strong’s: to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction).
KJV translates it as: repent
Word root: from G3326 (μετά) and G3539 (νοιέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The “yet repented not” underlines that the greater sin is resisting His grace.”
In this verse: ἔργων (ergōn), “works”
Basic meaning: work. Strong’s: toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act.
KJV translates it as: deed, doing, labour, work
Word root: from a primary (but obsolete) (to work);
In this verse: προσκυνήσουσιν (proskunēsousin), “they will worship”
Basic meaning: to worship. Strong’s: to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore).
KJV translates it as: worship
Word root: from G4314 (πρός) and a probable derivative of G2965 (κύων) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads προσκυνήσωσιν (proskunēsōsin) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
In this verse: εἴδωλα (eidōla), “idols”
Basic meaning: idol. Strong’s: an image (i.e. for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such.
KJV translates it as: idol
Word root: from G1491 (εἶδος);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“They hold fast to the old ways and idols that have no life or power, idols made of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk.”
Revelation 9:21
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: πορνείας (porneias), “sexual immorality”
Basic meaning: sexual sin. Strong’s: harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry.
KJV translates it as: fornication
Word root: from G4203 (πορνεύω);