Revelation 10:8

Authorized King James Version

And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon 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
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
φωνὴ
G5456
the voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#4
ἣν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#5
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#6
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
#7
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#9
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#10
λαλοῦσα
G2980
spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#11
μετ'
G3326
unto
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#12
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
λέγουσα,
G3004
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#15
Ὕπαγε
G5217
Go
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#16
λάβε
G2983
and take
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#17
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
βιβλαρίδιον
G974
the little book
a booklet
#19
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἠνεῳγμένον
G455
is open
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
χειρὶ
G5495
the hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#24
ἀγγέλου
G32
of the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#25
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ἑστῶτος
G2476
standeth
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#27
ἐπὶ
G1909
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
#28
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
θαλάσσης
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#30
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#31
ἐπὶ
G1909
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
#32
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
γῆς
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