Revelation 13:4

Authorized King James Version

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

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
προσεκύνησαν
G4352
they worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#3
τόν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δράκοντα
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#5
ὅς
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
ἔδωκεν
G1325
gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#7
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#8
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θηρίῳ
G2342
the beast
a dangerous animal
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
προσεκύνησαν
G4352
they worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#12
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θηρίῳ
G2342
the beast
a dangerous animal
#14
λέγοντες
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#15
τίς
G5101
Who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#16
ὅμοιος
G3664
is like
similar (in appearance or character)
#17
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θηρίῳ
G2342
the beast
a dangerous animal
#19
τίς
G5101
Who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#20
δύναται
G1410
is able
to be able or possible
#21
πολεμῆσαι
G4170
to make war
to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)
#22
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#23
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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

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

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