en_tn_condensed/rev/09/05.md

They were not given permission

"They" refers to the locusts. (Revelation 9:3)

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/translate/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.