Revelation 16:12

Authorized King James Version

And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

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
ἕκτος
G1623
the sixth
sixth
#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
αὐτοῦ
G846
thereof
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
ποταμὸν
G4215
river
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
#12
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μέγαν
G3173
the great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#14
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Εὐφράτην
G2166
Euphrates
euphrates, a river of asia
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐξηράνθη
G3583
was dried up
to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature
#18
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ὕδωρ
G5204
the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#20
αὐτοῦ
G846
thereof
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
#21
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#22
ἑτοιμασθῇ
G2090
might be prepared
to prepare
#23
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ὁδὸς
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#25
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
βασιλέων
G935
of the kings
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#27
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἀπὸ
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#29
ἀνατολῶν
G395
the east
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
#30
ἡλίου
G2246
the sun; by implication, light

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