Revelation 19:16

Authorized King James Version

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
AND
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔχει
he hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
ἐπὶ
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
#4
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἱμάτιον
his vesture
a dress (inner or outer)
#6
καὶ
AND
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ἐπὶ
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
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
μηρὸν
thigh
a thigh
#10
αὐτοῦ
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
#11
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ὄνομα
a name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#13
γεγραμμένον·
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#14
βασιλέων
KING
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#15
βασιλέων
KING
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#16
καὶ
AND
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
κυρίων
LORD
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#18
κυρίων
LORD
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Cross References

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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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection