Revelation 16:10

Authorized King James Version

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

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
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πέμπτος
G3991
the fifth
fifth
#4
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#5
ἐξέχεεν
G1632
poured out
to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow
#6
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
φιάλην
G5357
vial
a broad shallow cup ("phial")
#8
αὐτῶν
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
#9
ἐπὶ
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#10
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θρόνον
G2362
the seat
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θηρίου
G2342
of the beast
a dangerous animal
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἐγένετο
G1096
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#16
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βασιλεία
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#18
αὐτῶν
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
ἐσκοτωμένη
G4656
full of darkness
to obscure or blind (literally or figuratively)
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ἐμασσῶντο
G3145
they gnawed
to chew
#22
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
γλώσσας
G1100
tongues
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#24
αὐτῶν
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
#25
ἐκ
G1537
for
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#26
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πόνου
G4192
pain
toil, i.e., (by implication) anguish

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection