Revelation 16:2

Authorized King James Version

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀπῆλθεν
went
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#3
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πρῶτος
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#5
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἐξέχεεν
poured out
to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow
#7
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φιάλην
vial
a broad shallow cup ("phial")
#9
αὐτοῦ
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
#10
ἐπὶ
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
#11
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
γῆν
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
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐγένετο
there fell
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#15
ἕλκος
sore
an ulcer (as if drawn together)
#16
κακὸν
a noisome
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
#17
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
πονηρὸν
grievous
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#19
εἰς
upon
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀνθρώπους
the men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#22
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἔχοντας
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#24
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
χάραγμα
the mark
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
#26
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
θηρίου
of the beast
a dangerous animal
#28
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#29
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
τῇ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
εἰκόνι
image
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
#32
αὐτοῦ
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
#33
προσκυνοῦντας
upon them which worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection