Revelation 10:7

Authorized King James Version

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλὰ
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#3
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἡμέραις
G2250
the days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#5
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
φωνῆς
G5456
of the voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἑβδόμου
G1442
of the seventh
seventh
#9
ἀγγέλου
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#10
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#11
μέλλῃ
G3195
he shall begin
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#12
σαλπίζειν
G4537
to sound
to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
τελεσθῇ
G5055
should be finished
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
#15
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
μυστήριον
G3466
the mystery
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#19
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
εὐηγγέλισεν
G2097
he hath declared
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
#21
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἑαυτοῦ
G1438
to his
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#23
δούλοις
G1401
servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#24
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
προφήταις
G4396
the prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

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 sovereignty 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

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