Revelation 17:1

Authorized King James Version

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

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
ἦλθεν
G2064
there came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
εἷς
G1520
one
one
#4
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#7
ἀγγέλων
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#8
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐχόντων
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#10
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#12
φιάλας
G5357
vials
a broad shallow cup ("phial")
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐλάλησεν
G2980
talked
to talk, i.e., utter words
#15
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#16
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me
#17
λέγων
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#18
μοι,
G3427
unto me
to me
#19
Δεῦρο
G1204
Come hither
here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto
#20
δείξω
G1166
I will shew
to show (literally or figuratively)
#21
σοι
G4671
unto thee
to thee
#22
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
κρίμα
G2917
the judgment
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
#24
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
πόρνης
G4204
whore
a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater
#26
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
μεγάλης
G3173
of the great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#28
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
καθημένης
G2521
that sitteth
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#30
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
#31
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
ὑδάτων
G5204
waters
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#33
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#34
πολλῶν
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

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 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