Revelation 18:20

Authorized King James Version

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εὐφραίνου
G2165
Rejoice
to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice
#2
ἐπ'
G1909
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#3
αὐτῆς
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
#4
οὐρανέ
G3772
thou heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἅγιοι
G40
ye holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#8
ἀπόστολοι
G652
apostles
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
προφῆται
G4396
prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#12
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
ἔκρινεν
G2919
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#14
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#16
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
κρίμα
G2917
hath avenged
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
#18
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#19
ἐξ
G1537
on
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#20
αὐτῆς
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

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 divine sovereignty 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 historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection