Revelation 11:12

Authorized King James Version

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

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

ἤκουσαν

G191

they heard

to hear (in various senses)

φωνὴν

G5456

voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλην

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

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

τοῦ

G3588

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

οὐρανὸν

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

λέγουσαν

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

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

#10

ἀνέβησαν

G305

Come up

to go up (literally or figuratively)

#11

ὧδε

G5602

hither

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

ἀνέβησαν

G305

Come up

to go up (literally or figuratively)

#14

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#15

τὸν

G3588

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

#16

οὐρανὸν

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#17

ἐν

G1722

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

#18

τῇ

G3588

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

#19

νεφέλῃ

G3507

a cloud

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

ἐθεώρησαν

G2334

beheld

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

#22

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

#23

οἱ

G3588

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

#24

ἐχθροὶ

G2190

enemies

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

#25

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?