Revelation 16:21

Authorized King James Version

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

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
χαλάζης
G5464
hail
hail
#3
μεγάλη
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#4
ὡς
G5613
every stone about
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
ταλαντιαία
G5006
the weight of a talent
talent-like in weight
#6
καταβαίνει
G2597
there fell
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἐκ
G1537
because of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#8
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#10
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
#11
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἄνθρωποι
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐβλασφήμησαν
G987
blasphemed
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
#15
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἄνθρωποι
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#17
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεὸν
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#19
ἐκ
G1537
because of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
πληγὴ
G4127
the plague
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#22
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
χαλάζης
G5464
hail
hail
#24
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#25
μεγάλη
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#26
ἐστὶν
G2076
was
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#27
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
πληγὴ
G4127
the plague
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#29
αὐτῆς
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
#30
σφόδρα
G4970
exceeding
of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e., in a high degree, much

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection