Revelation 11:6

Authorized King James Version

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοι
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
ἔχουσιν
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
ἐξουσίαν
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#4
κλεῖσαι
to shut
to close (literally or figuratively)
#5
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οὐρανόν
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#7
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#8
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
βρέχῃ
it rain
to moisten (especially by a shower)
#10
ὑετὸς
rain, especially a shower
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
ἡμέραις
the days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#13
αὐτὰ
of 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
#14
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
προφητείας
prophecy
prediction (scriptural or other)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐξουσίαν
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#18
ἔχουσιν
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#19
ἐπὶ
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#20
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ὑδάτων
waters
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#22
στρέφειν
to turn
to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
#23
αὐτὰ
of 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
#24
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#25
αἷμα
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#26
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
πατάξαι
to smite
to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)
#28
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
γῆν
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#30
πάσῃ
with all
all, any, every, the whole
#31
πληγῇ
plagues
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#32
ὁσάκις
as often
how (i.e., with g0302, so) many times as
#33
ἐὰν
as
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#34
θελήσωσιν
they will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. 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

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

Questions for Reflection