Revelation 17:15

Authorized King James Version

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

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

λέγει

G3004

he saith

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

μοι

G3427

unto me

to me

Τὰ

G3588

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

ὕδατα

G5204

The waters

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ἃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

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

οὗ

G3757

where

at which place, i.e., where

ἡ

G3588

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

#10

πόρνη

G4204

the whore

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

#11

κάθηται

G2521

sitteth

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

#12

λαοὶ

G2992

peoples

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

ὄχλοι

G3793

multitudes

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

#15

εἰσὶν

G1526

are

they are

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

ἔθνη

G1484

nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

γλῶσσαι

G1100

tongues

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

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 covenant community 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

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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?