Revelation 17:16

Authorized King James Version

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

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

τὰ

G3588

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

δέκα

G1176

the ten

ten

κέρατα

G2768

horns

a horn (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

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

τὸ

G3588

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

θηρίον

G2342

the beast

a dangerous animal

#10

οὗτοι

G3778

these

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#11

μισήσουσιν

G3404

shall hate

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

#12

τὴν

G3588

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

#13

πόρνην

G4204

the whore

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

ἠρημωμένην

G2049

desolate

to lay waste (literally or figuratively)

#16

ποιήσουσιν

G4160

shall make

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#17

αὐτὴν

G846

her

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

γυμνήν

G1131

naked

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

τὰς

G3588

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

#22

σάρκας

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#23

αὐτὴν

G846

her

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

#24

φάγονται

G5315

shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#25

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#26

αὐτὴν

G846

her

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

#27

κατακαύσουσιν

G2618

burn

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

#28

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#29

πυρί

G4442

fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?