Revelation 19:12

Authorized King James Version

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
but, and, etc
#3
ὀφθαλμοὶ
G3788
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#4
αὐτός
G846
His
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
#5
ὡς
G5613
were as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#6
φλὸξ
G5395
a flame
a blaze
#7
πυρός
G4442
of fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#10
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κεφαλὴν
G2776
head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#12
αὐτός
G846
His
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
#13
διαδήματα
G1238
crowns
a "diadem" (as bound about the head)
#14
πολλά
G4183
were many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#15
ἔχων
G2192
and he had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#16
ὄνομα
G3686
a name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#17
γεγραμμένον
G1125
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#18
ὃ
G3739
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
οὐδεὶς
G3762
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#20
οἶδεν
G1492
knew
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#21
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#22
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#23
αὐτός
G846
His
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 revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection