Revelation 16:7

Authorized King James Version

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

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

ἤκουσα

G191

I heard

to hear (in various senses)

ἄλλου

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

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

θυσιαστηρίου

G2379

the altar

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

λέγοντος

G3004

say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ναί

G3483

Even so

yes

κύριε

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

ὁ

G3588

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

#13

παντοκράτωρ

G3841

Almighty

the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

#14

ἀληθιναὶ

G228

true

truthful

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

δίκαιαι

G1342

righteous

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

#17

αἱ

G3588

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

#18

κρίσεις

G2920

judgments

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

#19

σου

G4675

are thy

of thee, thy

Analysis

The judgment and justice theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 judgment and justice 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?