Revelation 12:5

Authorized King James Version

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

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
ἔτεκεν
G5088
she brought forth
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
#3
υἱόν
G5207
child
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#4
ἄῤῥενα,
G730
a man
male (as stronger for lifting)
#5
ὃς
G3739
who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
μέλλει
G3195
was
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#7
ποιμαίνειν
G4165
to rule
to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)
#8
πάντα
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#9
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἔθνη
G1484
nations
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#11
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
ῥάβδῳ
G4464
a rod
a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)
#13
σιδηρᾷ
G4603
of iron
made of iron
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἡρπάσθη
G726
was caught up
to seize (in various applications)
#16
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
τέκνον
G5043
child
a child (as produced)
#18
αὐτοῦ
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
πρὸς
G4314
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#20
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
θεὸν
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#22
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
θρόνον
G2362
throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#25
αὐτοῦ
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

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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection