Revelation 18:21

Authorized King James Version

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

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
ἦρεν
G142
took up
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
#3
εἷς
G1520
a
one
#4
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#5
ἰσχυρὸς
G2478
mighty
forcible (literally or figuratively)
#6
λίθον
G3037
a stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#7
ὡς
G5613
like
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#8
μύλον
G3458
millstone
a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)
#9
μεγάλη
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
βληθήσεται
G906
be thrown down
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#12
εἰς
G1519
it into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
θάλασσαν
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#15
λέγων,
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#16
Οὕτως
G3779
Thus
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#17
ὁρμήματι
G3731
with violence
an attack, i.e., (abstractly) precipitancy
#18
βληθήσεται
G906
be thrown down
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#19
Βαβυλὼν
G897
Babylon
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
#20
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
μεγάλη
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#22
πόλις
G4172
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#23
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
οὐ
G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#25
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#26
εὑρεθῇ
G2147
shall be found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#27
ἔτι
G2089
at all
"yet," still (of time or degree)

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection