Revelation 16:18

Authorized King James Version

And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένοντο

G1096

there was

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

φωναὶ

G5456

voices

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βρονταί

G1027

thunders

thunder

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀστραπαὶ

G796

lightnings

lightning; by analogy, glare

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σεισμὸς

G4578

an earthquake

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

#10

ἐγένοντο

G1096

there was

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#11

μέγας

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#12

οἷος

G3634

such as

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

#13

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#14

ἐγένοντο

G1096

there was

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#15

ἀφ'

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#16

οὗ

G3739

since

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#17

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ἄνθρωποι

G444

men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#19

ἐγένοντο

G1096

there was

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#20

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

#21

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

γῆς

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#23

τηλικοῦτος

G5082

so mighty

such as this, i.e., (in (figurative) magnitude) so vast

#24

σεισμὸς

G4578

an earthquake

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

#25

οὕτως

G3779

and so

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#26

μέγας

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?