Revelation 18:1

Authorized King James Version

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

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
Μετὰ
G3326
after
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#3
ταῦτα
G5023
these things
these things
#4
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
ἄλλον
G243
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#6
ἄγγελον
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#7
καταβαίνοντα
G2597
come down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#11
ἔχοντα
G2192
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#12
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#13
μεγάλην
G3173
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#14
Καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
γῆ
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#17
ἐφωτίσθη
G5461
was lightened
to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)
#18
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#19
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
δόξης
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#21
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

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