Revelation 10:9

Authorized King James Version

And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

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

ἀπῆλθον

G565

I went

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν

G3588

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

ἄγγελον

G32

the angel

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

λέγει

G3004

and 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

αὐτό

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

Δός

G1325

Give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι

G3427

to me

#10

τὸ

G3588

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

#11

βιβλαρίδιον

G974

the little book

a booklet

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

λέγει

G3004

and 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

#14

μοι

G3427

to me

#15

Λάβε

G2983

Take

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

κατάφαγε

G2719

eat

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

#18

αὐτό

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

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#20

πικρανεῖ

G4087

bitter

to embitter (literally or figuratively)

#21

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#22

τὴν

G3588

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

#23

κοιλίαν

G2836

belly

a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart

#24

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#25

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#26

τῷ

G3588

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

#27

στόματί

G4750

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

#28

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#29

ἔσται

G2071

it shall be

will be

#30

γλυκὺ

G1099

sweet

sweet (i.e., not bitter nor salt)

#31

ὡς

G5613

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

#32

μέλι

G3192

honey

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

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?