Revelation 12:1

Authorized King James Version

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

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
σημεῖον
G4592
wonder
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#3
μέγα
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#4
ὤφθη
G3700
there appeared
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
οὐρανῷ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
γυνὴ
G1135
a woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#9
περιβεβλημένη
G4016
clothed
to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
#10
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἥλιον
G2246
with the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
σελήνη
G4582
the moon
the moon
#15
ὑποκάτω
G5270
under
down under, i.e., beneath
#16
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ποδῶν
G4228
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#18
αὐτῆς
G846
her
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
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἐπὶ
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
κεφαλῆς
G2776
head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#23
αὐτῆς
G846
her
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
στέφανος
G4735
a crown
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
#25
ἀστέρων
G792
stars
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#26
δώδεκα
G1427
of twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

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