Revelation 15:6

Authorized King James Version

And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

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
ἐξῆλθον
G1831
came
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#3
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#5
ἄγγελοι
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#6
ἔχοντες
G2192
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#7
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#9
πληγὰς
G4127
plagues
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#10
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ναοῦ
G3485
the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#13
ἐνδεδυμένοι
G1746
clothed
to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)
#14
λίνον
G3043
linen
flax, i.e., (by implication) "linen"
#15
καθαρὸν
G2513
in pure
clean (literally or figuratively)
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
λαμπρὸν
G2986
white
radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
περιεζωσμένοι
G4024
girded
to gird all around, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively)
#20
περὶ
G4012
with
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#21
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
στήθη
G4738
having their breasts
the (entire external) bosom, i.e., chest
#23
ζώνας
G2223
girdles
a belt; by implication, a pocket
#24
χρυσᾶς
G5552
golden
made of gold

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