Revelation 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔχων
he had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
δεξιᾷ
right
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#6
αὐτοῦ
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#7
χειρὶ
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#8
ἀστέρας
stars
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#9
ἑπτά
seven
seven
#10
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐκ
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#12
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
στόματος
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#14
αὐτοῦ
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#15
ῥομφαία
sword
a sabre, i.e., a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively)
#16
δίστομος
twoedged
double-edged
#17
ὀξεῖα
a sharp
keen; by analogy, rapid
#18
ἐκπορευομένη
went
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#19
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ὄψις
countenance
properly, sight (the act), i.e., (by implication) the visage, an external show
#22
αὐτοῦ
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#23
ὡς
was as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἥλιος
the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#26
φαίνει
shineth
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#27
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#28
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
δυνάμει
strength
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#30
αὐτοῦ
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

This verse is part of John's apocalyptic vision of the glorified Christ. The symbolism connects to Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly from Daniel and Ezekiel, while revealing Christ's divine nature and authority. The imagery of sharp twoedged sword: contributes to the overall majestic portrayal.

Historical Context

Written during a time of imperial persecution under Domitian, this vision would have encouraged believers to remain faithful despite opposition. The apocalyptic imagery draws on Jewish prophetic traditions while speaking to the specific challenges faced by first-century Christians in Asia Minor.

Questions for Reflection