Revelation 18:4

Authorized King James Version

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

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
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#3
ἄλλην
G243
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#4
φωνὴν
G5456
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#5
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
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
λέγουσαν
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
#9
Ἐξέλθετε
G1831
Come
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#10
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
#11
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
#12
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
λαός
G2992
people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#14
μου
G3450
my
of me
#15
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#17
συγκοινωνήσητε
G4790
partakers
to share in company with, i.e., co-participate in
#18
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἁμαρτίαις
G266
sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#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
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#23
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#24
λάβητε
G2983
ye receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#25
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
#26
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πληγῶν
G4127
plagues
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#28
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 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