New Testament

Revelation 9:6

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse describes a time of great suffering and despair, where people will be in such agony that they will wish for death as a relief.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

During those days, people will seek death but won't find it. They'll long to die, but death will escape them.

KJVKing James Version

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse describes a time of great suffering and despair, where people will be in such agony that they will wish for death as a relief. However, despite their longing, they will be unable to die. This indicates a period of intense judgment and torment, where the pain is so severe that death itself becomes elusive. The imagery suggests a profound sense of hopelessness, as individuals are trapped in their suffering without any escape. The inability to die may symbolize the severity of the consequences of their actions and the reality of divine judgment. It serves as a warning about the seriousness of turning away from God and the dire outcomes that can follow. This passage highlights the importance of seeking spiritual truth and the dangers of ignoring the signs of impending judgment. It reflects the ultimate futility of seeking relief from suffering through death when one is not aligned with God’s will.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 9:6 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our spiritual state and the choices we make. It serves as a reminder to seek fulfillment and peace in God rather than in temporary escapes. In times of distress, turning to faith can provide true comfort and hope, rather than despair.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 9:6 mean?

Revelation 9:6 describes a time of intense suffering where people will wish for death as an escape but will be unable to die. This reflects a period of severe judgment and torment, highlighting the hopelessness of those experiencing such agony.

What is the meaning of 'death will escape them' in Revelation 9:6?

The phrase 'death will escape them' indicates that during this time of suffering, people will long for death but will find it unattainable. It symbolizes the severity of their pain and the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the futility of seeking relief through death.

How does Revelation 9:6 relate to suffering?

Revelation 9:6 illustrates the extreme suffering people will endure, to the point of wishing for death. It highlights the depth of despair and the consequences of living apart from God's will.

What themes are present in Revelation 9:6?

Key themes in Revelation 9:6 include suffering, despair, judgment, and the longing for death. The verse emphasizes the hopelessness of those in torment and the serious consequences of their choices.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

Premium

Unlock the full Revelation summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Revelation — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Revelation summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 5 Verse 7 →