Revelation 11:5

Authorized King James Version

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

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
εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#3
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#4
αὐτὸν
G846
their
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
#5
θέλῃ
G2309
will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#6
ἀδικῆσαι
G91
hurt
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
#7
πῦρ
G4442
fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#8
ἐκπορεύεται
G1607
proceedeth
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#9
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
στόματος
G4750
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#12
αὐτὸν
G846
their
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
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
κατεσθίει
G2719
devoureth
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)
#15
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἐχθροὺς
G2190
enemies
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
#17
αὐτὸν
G846
their
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
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#20
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#21
αὐτὸν
G846
their
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
#22
θέλῃ
G2309
will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#23
ἀδικῆσαι
G91
hurt
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
#24
οὕτως
G3779
in this manner
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#25
δεῖ
G1163
he must
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
#26
αὐτὸν
G846
their
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
#27
ἀποκτανθῆναι
G615
be killed
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

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 revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection