Revelation 11:16

Authorized King James Version

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

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
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
εἴκοσι
G1501
twenty
a score
#4
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
τέσσαρες
G5064
the four
four
#6
πρεσβύτεροι
G4245
elders
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
#7
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐνώπιον
G1799
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#9
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θεῷ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#11
καθήμενοι
G2521
sat
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#12
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#13
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
θρόνους
G2362
seats
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#15
αὐτῶν
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
#16
ἔπεσαν
G4098
fell
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#17
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#18
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πρόσωπα
G4383
faces
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#20
αὐτῶν
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
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
προσεκύνησαν
G4352
worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#23
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
θεῷ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection