# They were not given permission

"They" refers to the locusts. ([Revelation 9:3](../09/03.md))

# those people

the people whom the locusts were stinging

# but only to torture them

Here the words "given permission" are understood. Alternate translation: "but only given permission to torture them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-ellipsis]])

# to torture them for five months

The locusts would be allowed to do this for five months.

# to torture them

"to make them suffer terrible pain"

# the sting of a scorpion

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death.