Revelation 19:18

Authorized King James Version

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἵνα

G2443

That

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

φάγητε

G5315

ye may eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

σάρκας

G4561

the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

βασιλέων

G935

of kings

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

σάρκας

G4561

the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

χιλιάρχων

G5506

of captains

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

καὶ

G2532

and

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

σάρκας

G4561

the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#10

ἰσχυρῶν

G2478

of mighty men

forcible (literally or figuratively)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

σάρκας

G4561

the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#13

ἵππων

G2462

of horses

a horse

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

τῶν

G3588

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

#16

καθημένων

G2521

of them that sit

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

#17

ἐπ'

G1909

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

#18

αὐτῶν

G846

them

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

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

σάρκας

G4561

the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#21

πάντων

G3956

of all

all, any, every, the whole

#22

ἐλευθέρων

G1658

men both free

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#24

δούλων

G1401

bond

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#26

μικρῶν

G3398

small

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

#27

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#28

μεγάλων

G3173

great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?