Revelation 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

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
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
#3
ἕνα
G1520
an
one
#4
ἄγγελον
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#5
ἑστῶτα
G2476
standing
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἡλίῳ
G2246
the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#9
Καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἔκραξεν
G2896
he cried
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
#11
φωνῇ
G5456
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#12
μεγάλου
G3173
of the great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#13
λέγων
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
#14
πᾶσιν
G3956
to all
all, any, every, the whole
#15
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ὀρνέοις
G3732
the fowls
a birdling
#17
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πετωμένοις
G4072
that fly
to fly
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
μεσουρανήματι,
G3321
the midst of heaven
mid-sky
#21
Δεῦτε
G1205
Come
come hither!
#22
Καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
συνάγεσθε
G4863
gather yourselves together
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#24
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#25
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
δεῖπνον
G1173
the supper
dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)
#27
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
μεγάλου
G3173
of the great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#29
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 divine sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection