Revelation 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

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
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
δέκα
G1176
ten
ten
#4
κέρατα
G2768
horns
a horn (literally or figuratively)
#5
ἃ
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
εἶδες
G1492
thou sawest
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
δέκα
G1176
ten
ten
#8
βασιλεῖς
G935
kings
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#9
εἰσιν
G1526
are
they are
#10
οἵτινες
G3748
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#11
βασιλείαν
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#12
οὔπω
G3768
as yet
not yet
#13
λαμβάνουσιν
G2983
have received
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#14
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#15
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#16
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#17
βασιλεῖς
G935
kings
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#18
μίαν
G1520
one
#19
ὥραν
G5610
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#20
λαμβάνουσιν
G2983
have received
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#21
μετὰ
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#22
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θηρίου
G2342
the beast
a dangerous animal

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of kingdom 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 imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection