Revelation 11:19

Authorized King James Version

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

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

ἠνοίγη

G455

was opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

ὁ

G3588

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

ναῷ

G3485

temple

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν

G1722

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

τῷ

G3588

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

οὐρανῷ

G3772

heaven

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

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

ὤφθη

G3700

there was seen

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

#12

ἡ

G3588

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

#13

κιβωτὸς

G2787

the ark

a box, i.e., the sacred ark and that of noah

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

διαθήκης

G1242

testament

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

#16

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

#17

ἐν

G1722

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

#18

τῷ

G3588

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

#19

ναῷ

G3485

temple

a fane, shrine, temple

#20

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

ἐγένοντο

G1096

there were

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#23

ἀστραπαὶ

G796

lightnings

lightning; by analogy, glare

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

φωναὶ

G5456

voices

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

#26

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#27

βρονταὶ

G1027

thunderings

thunder

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#29

σεισμὸς

G4578

an earthquake

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

#30

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#31

χάλαζα

G5464

hail

#32

μεγάλη

G3173

great

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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?