Revelation 16:15

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἰδού,
G2400
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#2
ἔρχομαι
G2064
I come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#4
κλέπτης
G2812
a thief
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
#5
μακάριος
G3107
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#6
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
γρηγορῶν
G1127
is he that watcheth
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τηρῶν
G5083
keepeth
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#10
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἱμάτια
G2440
garments
a dress (inner or outer)
#12
αὐτοῦ
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
#13
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#14
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
γυμνὸς
G1131
naked
nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)
#16
περιπατῇ
G4043
he walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
βλέπωσιν
G991
they see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#19
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἀσχημοσύνην
G808
shame
an indecency; by implication, the pudenda
#21
αὐτοῦ
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

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