Revelation 17:4

Authorized King James Version

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

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

ἡ

G3588

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

γυνὴ

G1135

the woman

a woman; specially, a wife

ἦν

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

περιβεβλημένη

G4016

was arrayed

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

πορφύρᾳ

G4209

in purple

the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it

καὶ

G2532

And

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

κόκκινῳ,

G2847

scarlet colour

crimson-colored

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

κεχρυσωμένη

G5558

decked

to gild, i.e., bespangle with golden ornaments

#11

χρυσῷ

G5557

with gold

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

λίθῳ

G3037

stones

a stone (literally or figuratively)

#14

τιμίῳ

G5093

precious

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

μαργαρίταις

G3135

pearls

a pearl

#17

ἔχουσα

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#18

χρυσοῦν

G5552

a golden

made of gold

#19

ποτήριον

G4221

cup

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

#20

ἐν

G1722

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

#21

τῇ

G3588

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

#22

χειρὶ

G5495

hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#23

αὐτῆς

G846

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

γέμον

G1073

full of

to swell out, i.e., be full

#25

βδελυγμάτων

G946

abominations

a detestation, i.e., (specially) idolatry

#26

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#27

ἀκάθαρτητος

G168

filthiness

impurity (the state), morally

#28

πορνείας

G4202

fornication

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

#29

αὐτῆς

G846

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

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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?