Revelation 14:13

Authorized King James Version

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἤκουσα
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#3
φωνῆς
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#4
ἐκ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
τὰ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#7
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
μοι,
unto me
to me
#9
Γράψον·
Write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#10
Μακάριοι
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#11
τὰ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
νεκροὶ
are the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#13
τὰ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
κυρίῳ
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#16
ἀποθνῄσκοντες
die
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#17
ἀπαρτί
from henceforth
from now, i.e., henceforth (already)
#18
ναί
Yea
yes
#19
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#20
τὰ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#22
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#23
ἀναπαύσωνται
they may rest
(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh
#24
ἐκ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#25
τὰ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
κόπων
labours
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
#27
αὐτῶν
their
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
#28
τὰ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#30
ἔργα
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#31
αὐτῶν
their
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
#32
ἀκολουθεῖ
do follow
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#33
μετ'
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#34
αὐτῶν
their
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

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection