Revelation 19:11

Authorized King James Version

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

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

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸν

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἀνεῳγμένον,

G455

opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

ἵππος

G2462

horse

a horse

λευκός

G3022

a white

white

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

καθήμενος

G2521

he that sat

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

#13

ἐπ'

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

αὐτὸν

G846

him

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

#15

καλούμενος

G2564

was called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#16

πιστὸς

G4103

Faithful

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἀληθινός

G228

True

truthful

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#21

δικαιοσύνῃ

G1343

righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

#22

κρίνει

G2919

he doth judge

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

πολεμεῖ

G4170

make war

to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The judgment and justice theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 judgment and justice 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of judgment and justice, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?