Revelation 13:8

Authorized King James Version

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

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
προσκυνήσουσιν
G4352
shall worship
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#3
αὐτῷ
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
#4
πάντες
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#5
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
κατοικοῦντες
G2730
that dwell
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
#7
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
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
γῆς
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#10
ὧν
G3739
whose
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
γέγραπται
G1125
are
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#13
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ὄνοματα
G3686
names
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βίβλῳ
G976
the book
a scroll
#18
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#20
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀρνίου
G721
of the Lamb
a lambkin
#22
ἐσφαγμένου
G4969
slain
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
#23
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#24
καταβολῆς
G2602
the foundation
a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception
#25
κόσμου
G2889
of the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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

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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection