The Meaning of Revelation 9:5 Explained

Revelation 9:5

KJV: 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.

YLT: and it was given to them that they may not kill them, but that they may be tormented five months, and their torment is as the torment of a scorpion, when it may strike a man;

Darby: and it was given to them 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 it strikes a man.

ASV: And it was given them 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 it striketh a man.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Revelation 9:5 Mean?

Verse Meaning

They could not kill people, and their mission lasted only five months. The wound they caused would be very painful but not fatal.
"The scorpion belongs to the largest and most malignant of all insect tribes. Its general appearance is like a lobster, but much more hideous. Its sting located near the end of its tail is not always fatal, but can be. It ranks with the snake in its hostility toward human beings (cf. Luke 10:19; Luke 11:12)." [1]

Context Summary

Revelation 9:1-11 - "out Of The Smoke Of The Pit"
This chapter reminds us of the prophet Joel who, under the imagery of a swarm of locusts, depicted the coming invasion of hostile nations. Whether these warriors are intended for barbarian hordes which swept over the Roman Empire previous to its fall, or whether they represent the Saracens, between whose appearance and the details of this vision there is much in common, is not within our province to determine. The point which specially concerns us is that only those escaped who had received the imprint of God's seal. Of old the destroying angel passed over the houses, on the lintels of which the blood was visible.
But there are spiritual foes, against whose invasion we must seek the sealing of God's Spirit. "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption," Ephesians 4:30. What is impressed with the royal seal is under special protection; and when temptation assails you, you may assuredly claim that divine protection, which shall surround you as an impenetrable shield. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them," Psalms 34:7. We fight not against flesh and blood, but against wicked spirits in heavenly places, and only the spiritual can secure for us immunity against the spiritual. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 9

1  At the sounding of the fifth angel, a star falls from heaven, to whom is given the key to the bottomless pit
2  He opens the pit, and there come forth locusts like scorpions
12  The first woe past
13  The sixth trumpet sounds
14  Four angels who were bound are let loose

Greek Commentary for Revelation 9:5

That they should not kill them [ινα μη αποκτεινωσιν αυτους]
Sub-final object clause (subject of εδοτη — edothē) with ινα μη — hina mē and the subjunctive of αποκτεινω — apokteinō either present (continued action) or aorist (constative, form the same), the usual construction with ινα — hina The locusts are charged to injure men, but not to kill them. [source]
But that they should be tormented [αλλ ινα βασανιστησονται]
Sub-final clause again with ινα — hina but this time with the first future passive indicative (like Revelation 3:9; Revelation 6:4; Revelation 8:3; Revelation 13:12) of βασανιζω — basanizō old verb, to test metals (from βασανος — basanos Matthew 4:24) by touchstone, then to torture like Matthew 8:29, further in Revelation 11:10; Revelation 12:2; Revelation 14:10; Revelation 20:10.Five months (μηνας πεντε — mēnas pente). Accusative of extent of time. The actual locust is born in the spring and dies at the end of summer (about five months).Torment Late word for torture, from βασανιζω — basanizō in N.T. only in Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 18:7, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:15. The wound of the scorpion was not usually fatal, though exceedingly painful.When it striketh a man (οταν παισηι αντρωπον — hotan paisēi anthrōpon). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the first aorist active subjunctive of παιω — paiō (Matthew 26:51), old verb, to smite, “whenever it smites a man.” [source]
Five months [μηνας πεντε]
Accusative of extent of time. The actual locust is born in the spring and dies at the end of summer (about five months). [source]
Torment [βασανισμος]
Late word for torture, from βασανιζω — basanizō in N.T. only in Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 18:7, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:15. The wound of the scorpion was not usually fatal, though exceedingly painful.When it striketh a man (οταν παισηι αντρωπον — hotan paisēi anthrōpon). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the first aorist active subjunctive of παιω — paiō (Matthew 26:51), old verb, to smite, “whenever it smites a man.” [source]
When it striketh a man [οταν παισηι αντρωπον]
Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the first aorist active subjunctive of παιω — paiō (Matthew 26:51), old verb, to smite, “whenever it smites a man.” [source]
They should be tormented [βασανισθῶσιν]
See on torments, Matthew 4:24. [source]
Striketh [παίσῃ]
Dr. Thomson says that the scorpion cannot strike sideways. All accounts agree as to the fearful pain from its sting. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 9:5

Revelation 11:3 I will give [δωσω]
Future active of διδωμι — didōmi The speaker may be God (Beckwith) or Christ (Swete) as in Revelation 2:13; Revelation 21:6 or his angel representative (Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12.). The idiom that follows is Hebraic instead of either the infinitive after διδωμι — didōmi as in Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 6:4; Revelation 7:2; Revelation 13:7, Revelation 13:15; Revelation 16:8 or ινα — hina with the subjunctive (Revelation 9:5; Revelation 19:8) we have και προπητευσουσιν — kai prophēteusousin (and they shall prophesy). [source]
Revelation 11:10 Rejoice [χαιρουσιν]
Present active indicative of χαιρω — chairō them Locative (or dative) case with επι — epi as in Revelation 10:11.Make merry (ευπραινονται — euphrainontai). Present middle indicative of ευπραινω — euphrainō old verb (ευ πρην — euδωρα πεμπσουσιν αλληλοις — phrēn jolly mind), as in Luke 15:32; Revelation 12:12; Revelation 18:20. Jubilant jollification over the cessation of the activity of the two prophets.They shall send gifts to one another Future active of αλληλοις — pempō with dative εβασανισαν — allēlois Just as we see it done in Esther 9:19, Esther 9:22; Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah 8:12.Tormented (βασανιζω — ebasanisan). First aorist active indicative of οτι — basanizō for which see Revelation 9:5. This is the reason (hoti) of the fiendish glee of Jew and Gentile, who no longer will have to endure the prophecies (Revelation 11:3.) and dread miracles (Revelation 11:5.) of these two prophets. “Such a sense of relief is perhaps not seldom felt today by bad men when a preacher of righteousness or a signal example of goodness is removed” (Swete). [source]
Revelation 11:10 They shall send gifts to one another [πεμπω]
Future active of αλληλοις — pempō with dative εβασανισαν — allēlois Just as we see it done in Esther 9:19, Esther 9:22; Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah 8:12.Tormented (βασανιζω — ebasanisan). First aorist active indicative of οτι — basanizō for which see Revelation 9:5. This is the reason (hoti) of the fiendish glee of Jew and Gentile, who no longer will have to endure the prophecies (Revelation 11:3.) and dread miracles (Revelation 11:5.) of these two prophets. “Such a sense of relief is perhaps not seldom felt today by bad men when a preacher of righteousness or a signal example of goodness is removed” (Swete). [source]
Revelation 11:10 Tormented [βασανιζω]
First aorist active indicative of οτι — basanizō for which see Revelation 9:5. This is the reason (hoti) of the fiendish glee of Jew and Gentile, who no longer will have to endure the prophecies (Revelation 11:3.) and dread miracles (Revelation 11:5.) of these two prophets. “Such a sense of relief is perhaps not seldom felt today by bad men when a preacher of righteousness or a signal example of goodness is removed” (Swete). [source]
Revelation 12:2 Travailing in birth [ωδινουσα]
Present active participle of ωδινω — ōdinō old verb (from ωδιν — ōdin birth-pangs 1 Thessalonians 5:3), in N.T. only here and Galatians 4:27.And in pain (και βασανιζομενη — kai basanizomenē). “And tormented” (present passive participle of βασανιζω — basanizō for which see note on Revelation 9:5 and note on Revelation 11:10), only here in N.T. in sense of childbirth.To be delivered Second aorist active infinitive of τικτω — tiktō to give birth, epexegetical use. Also in Revelation 12:4. [source]
Revelation 12:2 And in pain [και βασανιζομενη]
“And tormented” (present passive participle of βασανιζω — basanizō for which see note on Revelation 9:5 and note on Revelation 11:10), only here in N.T. in sense of childbirth. [source]
Revelation 14:10 Of the wine of the wrath of God [εκ του οινου του τυμου του τεου]
Note εκ — ek (partitive) after πιεται — pietai In Revelation 16:19; Revelation 19:15 we have both τυμου — thumou and οργης — orgēs (wrath of the anger of God). The white heat of God‘s anger, held back through the ages, will be turned loose.Prepared unmixed (του κεκερασμενου ακρατου — tou kekerasmenou akratou). A bold and powerful oxymoron, “the mixed unmixed.” Ακρατος — Akratos is an old adjective (alpha privative and κεραννυμι — kerannumi to mix) used of wine unmixed with water (usually so mixed), here only in N.T. So it is strong wine mixed (perfect passive participle of κεραννυμι — kerannumi) with spices to make it still stronger (cf. Psalm 75:9).In the cup of his anger Both τυμος — thumos (vehement fury) and οργη — orgē (settled indignation).He shall be tormented (βασανιστησεται — basanisthēsetai). Future passive of βασανιζω — basanizō See Revelation 9:5; Revelation 11:10.With fire and brimstone See Revelation 9:17 for fire and brimstone and also Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 21:8. The imagery is already in Genesis 19:24; Isaiah 30:33; Ezekiel 38:22.In the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (ενωπιον αγγελων αγιων και ενωπιον του αρνιου — enōpion aggelōn hagiōn kai enōpion tou arniou). This holy environment adds to the punishment. [source]
Revelation 14:10 He shall be tormented [βασανιστησεται]
Future passive of βασανιζω — basanizō See Revelation 9:5; Revelation 11:10. [source]
Revelation 14:11 The smoke of their torment [ο καπνος του βασανισμου αυτων]
See Revelation 9:5 for βασανισμος — basanismos only there it was a limited penalty, here it is “for ever and ever” See also Revelation 18:9; Revelation 19:3; Revelation 20:10. [source]
Revelation 18:7 So much give her of torment and mourning [τοσουτον δοτε αυτηι βασανισμον και πεντος]
Second aorist active imperative of διδωμι — didōmi to give. The correlative pronoun τοσουτον — tosouton is masculine singular accusative, agreeing with βασανισμον — basanismon for which see Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:11, and is understood with the neuter word πεντος — penthos (mourning), in N.T. only in James 4:9; Revelation 18:7.; Revelation 21:4 (kin to πατοσ πενομαι — pathosκατημαι βασιλισσα — penomai). [source]
Revelation 2:13 Was killed [αποκτεινω]
First aorist passive indicative of παρ υμιν — apokteinō this passive form common in the Apocalypse (Revelation 2:13; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:15, Revelation 9:18, Revelation 9:20; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 19:21).Among you (οπου ο Σατανας κατοικει — par humin). By your side. Proof of the throne of Satan, “where Satan dwells” (hopou ho Satanās katoikei), repeated for emphasis. [source]
Revelation 14:10 In the cup of his anger [εν τωι ποτηριωι της οργης αυτου]
Both τυμος — thumos (vehement fury) and οργη — orgē (settled indignation).He shall be tormented (βασανιστησεται — basanisthēsetai). Future passive of βασανιζω — basanizō See Revelation 9:5; Revelation 11:10.With fire and brimstone See Revelation 9:17 for fire and brimstone and also Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 21:8. The imagery is already in Genesis 19:24; Isaiah 30:33; Ezekiel 38:22.In the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (ενωπιον αγγελων αγιων και ενωπιον του αρνιου — enōpion aggelōn hagiōn kai enōpion tou arniou). This holy environment adds to the punishment. [source]
Revelation 18:7 Herself [αυτην]
Reflexive pronoun, accusative also with εδοχασεν — edoxasen wanton First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of στρηνιαω — strēniaō (to live luxuriously), verb in late comedy instead of τρυπαω — truphaō (James 5:5), from στρηνος — strēnos (Revelation 18:3), only here in N.T.So much give her of torment and mourning (τοσουτον δοτε αυτηι βασανισμον και πεντος — tosouton dote autēi basanismon kai penthos). Second aorist active imperative of διδωμι — didōmi to give. The correlative pronoun τοσουτον — tosouton is masculine singular accusative, agreeing with βασανισμον — basanismon for which see Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:11, and is understood with the neuter word πεντος — penthos (mourning), in N.T. only in James 4:9; Revelation 18:7.; Revelation 21:4 (kin to πατοσ πενομαι — pathosκατημαι βασιλισσα — penomai).I sit a queen Predicate nominative for the old form βασιλις — basileia Feminine of the adjective πεντος ου μη ιδω — chēros (barren), old word (Mark 12:40).Shall in no wise see mourning Confident boast of security with emphatic position of ου μη — penthos (see above) and double negative οραω — ou mē with the second aorist active subjunctive of horaō (defective verb). [source]
Revelation 2:13 Holdest fast my name [κρατεω]
Present active indicative of Κυριος Καισαρ — krateō “dost keep on holding,” as in Revelation 2:25, Revelation 3:11. This church refused to say Κυριος Ιησους — Kurios Kaisar (Martyrd. Polyc. 8f.) and continued to say ουκ ηρνησω — Kurios Iēsous (1 Corinthians 12:3). They stood true against the emperor-worship.Didst not deny (αρνεομαι — ouk ērnēsō). First aorist middle second person singular of την πιστιν μου — arneomai Reference to a specific incident not known to us.My faith Objective genitive, “thy faith in me.”Of Antipas (Αντιπα — Antipas). Indeclinable in this form. It is possible that ο μαρτυς μου — Antipa (genitive) was really written, though unimportant as the nominative follows in apposition. Nothing is really known of this early martyr in Pergamum before the writing of the Apocalypse. One legend is that he was burnt to death in a brazen bull. Other martyrs followed him at Pergamum (Agathonice, Attalus, Carpus, Polybus).My witness Nominative in apposition with a genitive as in Revelation 1:5 (with ablative), common solecism in the Apocalypse. “Witness” as Jesus had said they should be (Acts 1:8) and Stephen was (Acts 22:20) and others were (Revelation 17:6). The word later (by third century) took on the modern meaning of martyr.My faithful one (μου — ho pistos mou). Nominative also, with απεκταντη — mou also. Jesus gives Antipas his own title (Swete) as in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14. Faithful unto death.Was killed First aorist passive indicative of παρ υμιν — apokteinō this passive form common in the Apocalypse (Revelation 2:13; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:15, Revelation 9:18, Revelation 9:20; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 19:21).Among you (οπου ο Σατανας κατοικει — par humin). By your side. Proof of the throne of Satan, “where Satan dwells” (hopou ho Satanās katoikei), repeated for emphasis. [source]
Revelation 2:13 My faith [Αντιπας]
Objective genitive, “thy faith in me.”Of Antipas (Αντιπα — Antipas). Indeclinable in this form. It is possible that ο μαρτυς μου — Antipa (genitive) was really written, though unimportant as the nominative follows in apposition. Nothing is really known of this early martyr in Pergamum before the writing of the Apocalypse. One legend is that he was burnt to death in a brazen bull. Other martyrs followed him at Pergamum (Agathonice, Attalus, Carpus, Polybus).My witness Nominative in apposition with a genitive as in Revelation 1:5 (with ablative), common solecism in the Apocalypse. “Witness” as Jesus had said they should be (Acts 1:8) and Stephen was (Acts 22:20) and others were (Revelation 17:6). The word later (by third century) took on the modern meaning of martyr.My faithful one (μου — ho pistos mou). Nominative also, with απεκταντη — mou also. Jesus gives Antipas his own title (Swete) as in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14. Faithful unto death.Was killed First aorist passive indicative of παρ υμιν — apokteinō this passive form common in the Apocalypse (Revelation 2:13; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:15, Revelation 9:18, Revelation 9:20; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 19:21).Among you (οπου ο Σατανας κατοικει — par humin). By your side. Proof of the throne of Satan, “where Satan dwells” (hopou ho Satanās katoikei), repeated for emphasis. [source]
Revelation 20:10 They shall be tormented [βασανιστησονται]
Return to the prophetic future of Revelation 20:7, Revelation 20:8. For βασανιζω — basanizō see Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:10. For “day and night” (ημερας και νυκτος — hēmeras kai nuktos) see Revelation 4:8; Revelation 7:15; Revelation 12:10; Revelation 14:11. For “for ever and ever” (εις τους αιωνας τον αιωνων — eis tous aiōnas ton aiōnōn) see Revelation 1:6, Revelation 1:18; Revelation 4:9, Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:13; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 10:6; Revelation 11:15, etc. The devil was cast down from heaven (Revelation 12:9), then imprisoned (Revelation 20:2.), now he received his final doom. [source]
Revelation 22:14 That they may have the right [ινα εσται η εχουσια αυτων]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the future middle of ειμι — eimi (a common construction in this book, Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:11; Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:20; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 14:13), that there may be their right.” [source]
Revelation 9:3 The scorpions [οι σκορπιοι]
Old name for a little animal somewhat like a lobster that lurks in stone walls in warm regions, with a venomous sting in its tail, in N.T. in Luke 10:19; Luke 11:12; Revelation 9:3, Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:10. The scorpion ranks with the snake as hostile to man. [source]
Revelation 2:13 My witness [ο πιστος μου]
Nominative in apposition with a genitive as in Revelation 1:5 (with ablative), common solecism in the Apocalypse. “Witness” as Jesus had said they should be (Acts 1:8) and Stephen was (Acts 22:20) and others were (Revelation 17:6). The word later (by third century) took on the modern meaning of martyr.My faithful one (μου — ho pistos mou). Nominative also, with απεκταντη — mou also. Jesus gives Antipas his own title (Swete) as in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14. Faithful unto death.Was killed First aorist passive indicative of παρ υμιν — apokteinō this passive form common in the Apocalypse (Revelation 2:13; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:15, Revelation 9:18, Revelation 9:20; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 19:21).Among you (οπου ο Σατανας κατοικει — par humin). By your side. Proof of the throne of Satan, “where Satan dwells” (hopou ho Satanās katoikei), repeated for emphasis. [source]
Revelation 20:10 Into the lake of fire and brimstone [εις την λιμνην του πυρος και τειου]
As in Revelation 19:20 with the two beasts, as he adds, “where are also the beast and the false prophet” Return to the prophetic future of Revelation 20:7, Revelation 20:8. For βασανιζω — basanizō see Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:10. For “day and night” (ημερας και νυκτος — hēmeras kai nuktos) see Revelation 4:8; Revelation 7:15; Revelation 12:10; Revelation 14:11. For “for ever and ever” (εις τους αιωνας τον αιωνων — eis tous aiōnas ton aiōnōn) see Revelation 1:6, Revelation 1:18; Revelation 4:9, Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:13; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 10:6; Revelation 11:15, etc. The devil was cast down from heaven (Revelation 12:9), then imprisoned (Revelation 20:2.), now he received his final doom. [source]
Revelation 22:14 They that wash their robes [οι πλυνοντες τας στολας αυτων]
Present active articular participle of πλυνω — plunō See Revelation 7:14 for this very verb with στολας — stolas while in Revelation 3:4 the negative statement occurs. Cf. 1 Corinthians 6:11.That they may have the right (ινα εσται η εχουσια αυτων — hina estai hē exousia autōn). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the future middle of ειμι — eimi (a common construction in this book, Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:11; Revelation 9:5, Revelation 9:20; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 14:13), that there may be their right.”To come to the tree of life “Over the tree of life.” On εχουσια επι — exousia epi = “power over” see Revelation 6:8; Revelation 13:7; Revelation 16:9; Luke 9:1. On “the tree of life” see Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:2.May enter in (εισελτωσιν — eiselthōsin). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the second aorist active subjunctive of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai parallel with ινα εσται — hina estai (future).By the gates Associative instrumental case of πυλων — pulōn (Revelation 21:12), “by the gate towers.” [source]
Revelation 9:5 But that they should be tormented [αλλ ινα βασανιστησονται]
Sub-final clause again with ινα — hina but this time with the first future passive indicative (like Revelation 3:9; Revelation 6:4; Revelation 8:3; Revelation 13:12) of βασανιζω — basanizō old verb, to test metals (from βασανος — basanos Matthew 4:24) by touchstone, then to torture like Matthew 8:29, further in Revelation 11:10; Revelation 12:2; Revelation 14:10; Revelation 20:10.Five months (μηνας πεντε — mēnas pente). Accusative of extent of time. The actual locust is born in the spring and dies at the end of summer (about five months).Torment Late word for torture, from βασανιζω — basanizō in N.T. only in Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 18:7, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:15. The wound of the scorpion was not usually fatal, though exceedingly painful.When it striketh a man (οταν παισηι αντρωπον — hotan paisēi anthrōpon). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the first aorist active subjunctive of παιω — paiō (Matthew 26:51), old verb, to smite, “whenever it smites a man.” [source]
Revelation 9:5 Torment [βασανισμος]
Late word for torture, from βασανιζω — basanizō in N.T. only in Revelation 9:5; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 18:7, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:15. The wound of the scorpion was not usually fatal, though exceedingly painful.When it striketh a man (οταν παισηι αντρωπον — hotan paisēi anthrōpon). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the first aorist active subjunctive of παιω — paiō (Matthew 26:51), old verb, to smite, “whenever it smites a man.” [source]
Revelation 9:15 Which had been prepared [οι ητοιμασμενοι]
Perfect passive articular participle of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō to make ready For this use of εις — eis with ητοιμασμενον — hētoimasmenon see 2 Timothy 2:21. All preparation over, the angels are waiting for the signal to begin.That they should kill The same idiom in Revelation 9:5 about the fifth trumpet, which brought torture. This one brings death. [source]
Revelation 9:15 That they should kill [ινα αποκτεινωσιν]
The same idiom in Revelation 9:5 about the fifth trumpet, which brought torture. This one brings death. [source]
Revelation 9:20 That they should not worship [ινα μη προσκυνησουσιν]
Negative purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the future active of προσκυνεω — proskuneō as in Revelation 9:5. [source]
Revelation 9:20 Of the works [εκ των εργων]
For this use of εκ — ek after μετανοεω — metanoeō see Revelation 2:21; Revelation 9:21; Revelation 16:11. By “works” Negative purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the future active of προσκυνεω — proskuneō as in Revelation 9:5.Devils Both in the O.T. (Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 96:5; Psalm 106:37) and in the N.T. (1 Corinthians 10:21) the worship of idols is called the worship of unclean spirits. Perhaps this is one explanation of the hideous faces given these images. “The idols” See Daniel 5:23 for this picture of heathen idols. The helplessness of these idols, “which can neither see nor hear nor walk” (α ουτε βλεπειν δυνανται ουτε ακουειν ουτε περιπατειν — ha oute blepein dunantai oute akouein oute peripatein), is often presented in the O.T. (Psalm 115:4; Psalm 135:15-18). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 9:5 mean?

And it was granted to them that not they should kill them but they shall torment [them] months five the torment of them [was] like of a scorpion when it might strike a man
καὶ ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς ἀλλ’ βασανισθήσονται μῆνας πέντε βασανισμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς σκορπίου ὅταν παίσῃ ἄνθρωπον

ἐδόθη  it  was  granted 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
αὐτοῖς  to  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
ἀποκτείνωσιν  they  should  kill 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀποκτείνω 
Sense: to kill in any way whatever.
βασανισθήσονται  they  shall  torment  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: βασανίζω  
Sense: to test (metals) by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the colour of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal.
μῆνας  months 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: μήν2  
Sense: a month.
πέντε  five 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: πέντε  
Sense: five.
βασανισμὸς  torment 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: βασανισμός  
Sense: to torture, a testing by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the colour of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal.
αὐτῶν  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ὡς  [was]  like 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὡς 
Sense: as, like, even as, etc.
σκορπίου  of  a  scorpion 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: σκορπίος  
Sense: a scorpion, the name of a little animal, somewhat resembling a lobster, which in warm regions lurk, esp.
παίσῃ  it  might  strike 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παίω  
Sense: to strike, smite.
ἄνθρωπον  a  man 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.