What does Revelation 9:8 mean?

The description of the locusts that ascend from the bottomless pit continues in this verse. John writes that their hair resembles women's hair. This could possibly be about their manes, because John saw the locusts as appearing like horses (Revelation 9:7).

John also writes in verse 8 that the locusts' teeth were like the teeth of lions. This description concurs with Joel's prophetic description of the invading army from the north. Joel 1:6 says, "A nation has come up against my land, powerful and beyond number; its teeth are lions' teeth, and it has the fangs of a lioness." The reference to lions' teeth emphasizes the ferocity of these demonic locusts. However, despite their appearance and potential destructive force, they cannot afflict God's people. Their mission is to torment "only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads" (Revelation 9:4). Believers have nothing to fear because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).