Revelation 11:4

Authorized King James Version

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοί
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
εἰσιν
G1526
are
they are
#3
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δύο
G1417
the two
"two"
#5
ἐλαῖαι
G1636
olive
an olive (the tree or the fruit)
#6
καὶ
G2532
trees and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
δύο
G1417
the two
"two"
#8
λυχνίαι
G3087
candlesticks
a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)
#9
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐνώπιον
G1799
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#11
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
Θεοῦ
G2316
the God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#15
ἑστῶσαι
G2476
standing
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection