Revelation 14:6

Authorized King James Version

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

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

εἶδον

G1492

I saw

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄλλον

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἄγγελον

G32

angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

πετώμενον

G4072

fly

to fly

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μεσουρανήματι

G3321

the midst of heaven

mid-sky

ἔχοντα

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#10

αἰώνιον

G166

the everlasting

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

#11

εὐαγγελίσαι

G2097

to preach

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

#12

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

κατοικοῦντας

G2730

unto them that dwell

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

#14

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#15

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

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)

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

πᾶν

G3956

to every

all, any, every, the whole

#19

ἔθνος

G1484

nation

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

φυλὴν

G5443

kindred

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

#22

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#23

γλῶσσαν

G1100

tongue

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

λαόν

G2992

people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

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 covenant community 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

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 might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?