Revelation 19:2

Authorized King James Version

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀληθιναὶ

G228

true

truthful

καὶ

G2532

and

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

δίκαιαι

G1342

righteous

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

αἱ

G3588

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

κρίσεις

G2920

judgments

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

αὐτῆς

G846

are 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

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔκρινεν

G2919

he hath judged

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#10

τὴν

G3588

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

#11

πόρνην

G4204

whore

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

#12

τὴν

G3588

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

#13

μεγάλην

G3173

the great

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

#14

ἥτις

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#15

ἔφθειρεν

G5351

did corrupt

properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)

#16

τὴν

G3588

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

#17

γῆν

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#18

ἐν

G1722

with

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

#19

τῇ

G3588

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

#20

πορνείᾳ

G4202

fornication

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

#21

αὐτῆς

G846

are 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

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

ἐξεδίκησεν

G1556

hath avenged

to vindicate, retaliate, punish

#24

τὸ

G3588

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

#25

αἷμα

G129

the blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#26

τῶν

G3588

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

#27

δούλων

G1401

servants

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

#28

αὐτῆς

G846

are 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

#29

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#30

τῆς

G3588

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

#31

χειρὸς

G5495

hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#32

αὐτῆς

G846

are 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

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights judgment and justice through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?