Revelation 11:2

Authorized King James Version

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
αὐλὴν
G833
the court
a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion
#4
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἔξωθεν
G1855
is without
external(-ly)
#6
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ναοῦ
G3485
the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#8
ἔκβαλε
G1544
leave
to eject (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἔξω,
G1854
out
out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively
#10
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#12
αὐτὴν
G846
it
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
#13
μετρήσῃς
G3354
measure
to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)
#14
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
ἐδόθη
G1325
it is given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#16
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἔθνεσιν
G1484
unto the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#18
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
πόλιν
G4172
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#21
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἁγίαν
G40
the holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#23
πατήσουσιν
G3961
shall they tread under foot
to trample (literally or figuratively)
#24
μῆνας
G3376
months
a month
#25
τεσσαράκοντα
G5062
forty
forty
#26
δύο
G1417
and two
"two"

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 revelation 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

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