Revelation 15:2

Authorized King James Version

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

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
εἶδον
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
#3
ὡς
as it were
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#4
θάλασσαν
a sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#5
ὑαλίνην
of glass
glassy, i.e., transparent
#6
μεμιγμένην
mingled
to mix
#7
πυρί
with fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#8
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
νικῶντας
them that had gotten the victory
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#11
ἐκ
and over
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#12
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θηρίου
the beast
a dangerous animal
#14
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἐκ
and over
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
εἰκόνος
image
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
#18
αὐτοῦ
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
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἐκ
and over
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#21
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
χαράγματος
mark
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
#23
αὐτοῦ
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
#24
ἐκ
and over
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#25
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ἀριθμοῦ
the number
a number (as reckoned up)
#27
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ὀνόματος
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#29
αὐτοῦ
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
#30
ἑστῶτας
stand
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#31
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#32
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
θάλασσαν
a sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#34
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#35
ὑαλίνην
of glass
glassy, i.e., transparent
#36
ἔχοντας
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#37
κιθάρας
the harps
a lyre
#38
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#39
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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

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