Revelation 10:1

Authorized King James Version

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον

G1492

I saw

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄλλον

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἄγγελον

G32

angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἰσχυρὸν

G2478

mighty

forcible (literally or figuratively)

καταβαίνοντα

G2597

come down

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#10

περιβεβλημένον

G4016

clothed

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

#11

νεφέλην

G3507

with a cloud

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἶρις

G2463

a rainbow

a rainbow ("iris")

#14

ἐπὶ

G1909

was upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#15

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

κεφαλῆς

G2776

head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

πρόσωπον

G4383

face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#20

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#21

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#22

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

ἥλιος

G2246

the sun

the sun; by implication, light

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

πόδες

G4228

feet

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

#27

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#28

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#29

στῦλοι

G4769

pillars

a post ("style"), i.e., (figuratively) support

#30

πυρός

G4442

of fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?