Revelation 11:1

Authorized King James Version

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

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

ἐδόθη

G1325

there was given

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

μοι

G3427

to me

κάλαμος

G2563

a reed

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

ὅμοιος

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ῥάβδῳ

G4464

unto a rod

a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ὁ

G3588

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

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

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

#10

ειστήκει,

G2476

stood

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#11

λέγων,

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#12

Ἔγειραι,

G1453

Rise

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

μέτρησον

G3354

measure

to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)

#15

τὸν

G3588

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

#16

ναὸν

G3485

the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

#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

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#20

τὸ

G3588

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

#21

θυσιαστήριον

G2379

the altar

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

#22

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#23

τοὺς

G3588

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

#24

προσκυνοῦντας

G4352

them that worship

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

#25

ἐν

G1722

therein

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

#26

αὐτῷ

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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?