Revelation 14:2

Authorized King James Version

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

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
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#3
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#4
ἐκ
G1537
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
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#7
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#8
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#9
ὑδάτων
G5204
waters
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#10
πολλῶν
G4183
of many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#13
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#14
βροντῆς
G1027
thunder
thunder
#15
μεγάλης
G3173
of a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#18
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#19
κιθαρῳδῶν
G2790
of harpers
a lyre-singer(-player), i.e., harpist
#20
κιθαριζόντων
G2789
harping
to play on a lyre
#21
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
κιθάραις
G2788
harps
a lyre
#24
αὐτῶν
G846
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

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

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection