Revelation 11:18

Authorized King James Version

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

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

τὰ

G3588

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

ἔθνη

G1484

the nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ὠργίσθησαν

G3710

were angry

to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἦλθεν

G2064

is come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἡ

G3588

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

ὀργή

G3709

wrath

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

ὁ

G3588

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

#12

καιρὸς

G2540

the time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

#13

τῶν

G3588

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

#14

νεκρῶν

G3498

of the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#15

κριθῆναι

G2919

that they should be judged

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

δοῦναι

G1325

that thou shouldest give

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

#18

τὸν

G3588

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

#19

μισθὸν

G3408

reward

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

#20

τοῖς

G3588

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

#21

δούλοις

G1401

servants

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#22

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#23

τοῖς

G3588

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

#24

προφήταις

G4396

the prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

#25

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#26

τοῖς

G3588

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

#27

ἁγίοις

G40

to the saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#29

τοῖς

G3588

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

#30

φοβουμένοις

G5399

them that fear

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

#31

τὸ

G3588

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

#32

ὄνομά

G3686

name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#33

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#34

τοῖς

G3588

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

#35

μικροῖς

G3398

small

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

#36

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#37

τοῖς

G3588

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

#38

μεγάλοις,

G3173

great

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

#39

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#40

διαφθείροντας

G1311

shouldest destroy

to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)

#41

τοὺς

G3588

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

#42

διαφθείροντας

G1311

shouldest destroy

to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)

#43

τὴν

G3588

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

#44

γῆν

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 judgment and justice theme central to Revelation. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of judgment and justice within biblical theology. 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 judgment and justice 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?