Revelation 10:2

Authorized King James Version

And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εἴχεν
G2192
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
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
χειρὶ
G5495
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#6
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
βιβλαρίδιον
G974
a little book
a booklet
#8
ἀνεῳγμένον·
G455
open
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἔθηκεν
G5087
he set
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#11
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πόδα
G4228
foot
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#13
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#14
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
δεξιὸν
G1188
right
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#16
ἐπὶ
G1909
foot on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θάλασσαν,
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#19
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#21
εὐώνυμον
G2176
his left
properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand
#22
ἐπὶ
G1909
foot on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#23
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
γῆν,
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection