Revelation 15:5

Authorized King James Version

And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

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
μετὰ
G3326
after
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#3
ταῦτα
G5023
that
these things
#4
εἶδον
G1492
I looked
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἰδού,
G2400
behold
used as imperative lo!
#7
ἠνοίγη
G455
was opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#8
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ναὸς
G3485
the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#10
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
σκηνῆς
G4633
of the tabernacle
a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μαρτυρίου
G3142
of the testimony
something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
οὐρανῷ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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