Revelation 18:5

Authorized King James Version

For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
ἠκολούθησαν
G190
have reached
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#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
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἁμαρτίαι
G266
sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#6
ἄχρι
G891
unto
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἐμνημόνευσεν
G3421
hath remembered
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
#11
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀδικήματα
G92
iniquities
a wrong done
#15
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

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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