Revelation 11:9

Authorized King James Version

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

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

βλέψουσιν

G991

shall see

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν

G3588

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

λαῶν

G2992

the people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

φυλῶν

G5443

kindreds

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

καὶ

G2532

And

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

γλωσσῶν

G1100

tongues

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

ἐθνῶν

G1484

nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#12

τὰ

G3588

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

#13

πτώματα

G4430

dead bodies

a ruin, i.e., (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion)

#14

αὐτῶν

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

#15

ἡμέρας

G2250

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

#16

τρεῖς

G5140

three

"three"

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

ἥμισυ

G2255

an half

(as noun) half

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#20

τὰ

G3588

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

#21

πτώματα

G4430

dead bodies

a ruin, i.e., (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion)

#22

αὐτῶν

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

#23

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#24

ἀφήσουσιν

G863

shall

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

#25

τεθῆναι

G5087

to be put

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

#26

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#27

μνῆματα

G3418

graves

a memorial, i.e., sepulchral monument (burial-place)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?