Revelation 14:13

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

Καὶ And G2532
Καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤκουσα I heard G191
ἤκουσα I heard
Strong's: G191
Word #: 2 of 34
to hear (in various senses)
φωνῆς a voice G5456
φωνῆς a voice
Strong's: G5456
Word #: 3 of 34
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἐκ from G1537
ἐκ from
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 4 of 34
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τὰ which G3588
τὰ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ heaven G3772
οὐρανοῦ heaven
Strong's: G3772
Word #: 6 of 34
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
λέγει saith G3004
λέγει saith
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 7 of 34
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μοι, unto me G3427
μοι, unto me
Strong's: G3427
Word #: 8 of 34
to me
Γράψον· Write G1125
Γράψον· Write
Strong's: G1125
Word #: 9 of 34
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Μακάριοι Blessed G3107
Μακάριοι Blessed
Strong's: G3107
Word #: 10 of 34
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
τὰ which G3588
τὰ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νεκροὶ are the dead G3498
νεκροὶ are the dead
Strong's: G3498
Word #: 12 of 34
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
τὰ which G3588
τὰ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 14 of 34
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
κυρίῳ the Lord G2962
κυρίῳ the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 15 of 34
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀποθνῄσκοντες die G599
ἀποθνῄσκοντες die
Strong's: G599
Word #: 16 of 34
to die off (literally or figuratively)
ἀπαρτί from henceforth G534
ἀπαρτί from henceforth
Strong's: G534
Word #: 17 of 34
from now, i.e., henceforth (already)
ναί Yea G3483
ναί Yea
Strong's: G3483
Word #: 18 of 34
yes
λέγει saith G3004
λέγει saith
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 19 of 34
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὰ which G3588
τὰ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 20 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα the Spirit G4151
πνεῦμα the Spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 21 of 34
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
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 22 of 34
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ἀναπαύσωνται they may rest G373
ἀναπαύσωνται they may rest
Strong's: G373
Word #: 23 of 34
(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh
ἐκ from G1537
ἐκ from
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 24 of 34
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τὰ which G3588
τὰ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 25 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόπων labours G2873
κόπων labours
Strong's: G2873
Word #: 26 of 34
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
αὐτῶν their G846
αὐτῶν their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 27 of 34
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
τὰ which G3588
τὰ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 28 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ and G1161
δὲ and
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 29 of 34
but, and, etc
ἔργα works G2041
ἔργα works
Strong's: G2041
Word #: 30 of 34
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτῶν their G846
αὐτῶν their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 31 of 34
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
ἀκολουθεῖ do follow G190
ἀκολουθεῖ do follow
Strong's: G190
Word #: 32 of 34
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
μετ' G3326
μετ'
Strong's: G3326
Word #: 33 of 34
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν their G846
αὐτῶν their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 34 of 34
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

Cross References

Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.1 Thessalonians 4:16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:1 Thessalonians 5:10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.Revelation 19:9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.Revelation 6:11And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.Revelation 21:5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.Revelation 16:17And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.Isaiah 35:10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Psalms 19:11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Analysis & Commentary

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 foll... This verse from Revelation's vision of lamb and 144,000 - redeemed firstfruits, three angels' messages, harvest judgment employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

Historical Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Questions for Reflection

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