Revelation 14:9

Authorized King James Version

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

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
τρίτος
G5154
the third
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
#3
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
ἠκολούθησεν
G190
followed
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#5
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#6
λέγων
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#7
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
φωνῇ
G5456
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#9
μεγάλῃ,
G3173
a loud
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#10
Εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#11
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#12
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θηρίον
G2342
the beast
a dangerous animal
#14
προσκυνεῖ
G4352
worship
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#15
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
εἰκόνα
G1504
image
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
#18
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
λαμβάνει
G2983
receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#21
χάραγμα
G5480
his mark
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
#22
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#23
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
μετώπου
G3359
forehead
the forehead (as opposite the countenance)
#25
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#26
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#27
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#28
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
χεῖρα
G5495
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#30
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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 revelation 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 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