Revelation 15:3

Authorized King James Version

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

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

ᾄδουσιν

G103

they sing

to sing

τὴν

G3588

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

ᾠδὴν

G5603

the song

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

Μωσέως

G3475

of Moses

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

τοῦ

G3588

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

δούλου

G1401

the servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

τὴν

G3588

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

#12

ᾠδὴν

G5603

the song

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

#13

τοῦ

G3588

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

#14

ἀρνίου

G721

of the Lamb

a lambkin

#15

λέγοντες

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

#16

Μεγάλα

G3173

Great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide 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

θαυμαστὰ

G2298

marvellous

wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful

#19

τὰ

G3588

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

#20

ἔργα

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#21

σου

G4675

are thy

of thee, thy

#22

κύριε

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#23

ὁ

G3588

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

#24

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#25

ὁ

G3588

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

#26

παντοκράτωρ·

G3841

Almighty

the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

#27

δίκαιαι

G1342

just

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#29

ἀληθιναὶ

G228

true

truthful

#30

αἱ

G3588

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

#31

ὁδοί

G3598

ways

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

#32

σου

G4675

are thy

of thee, thy

#33

ὁ

G3588

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

#34

βασιλεὺς

G935

thou King

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

#35

τῶν

G3588

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

#36

ἁγίων

G40

of saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?