Revelation 16:14

Authorized King James Version

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰσὶν
G1526
they are
they are
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
πνεύματα
G4151
the spirits
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#4
δαιμόνων
G1142
of devils
a daemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature)
#5
ποιοῦντα
G4160
working
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#6
σημεῖα
G4592
miracles
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#7
ἐκπορεύεσθαι
G1607
which go forth
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#8
ἐπὶ
G1909
unto
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
βασιλεῖς
G935
the kings
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#11
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
οἰκουμένης
G3625
world
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
#16
ὅλης
G3650
of the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#17
συναγαγεῖν
G4863
to gather
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#18
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
πόλεμον
G4171
the battle
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
#22
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἡμέρας
G2250
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#24
ἐκείνης
G1565
of that
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#25
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
μεγάλης
G3173
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#27
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#29
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
παντοκράτορος
G3841
Almighty
the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

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 sovereignty 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 literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection