Revelation 13:5

Authorized King James Version

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

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

ἐδόθη

G1325

there was given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ

G846

unto 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

στόμα

G4750

a mouth

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

λαλοῦν

G2980

speaking

to talk, i.e., utter words

μεγάλα

G3173

great things

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

βλασφημίας

G988

blasphemies

vilification (especially against god)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

ἐδόθη

G1325

there was given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#11

αὐτῷ

G846

unto 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

#12

ἐξουσία

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#13

ποιῆσαι

G4160

to continue

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#14

μῆνας

G3376

months

a month

#15

τεσσαράκοντα

G5062

forty

#16

δύο

G1417

and two

"two"

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?