Revelation 2:16

Authorized King James Version

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μετανόησον
G3340
Repent
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
#2
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#3
δὲ
G1161
but, and, etc
#4
μή
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#5
ἔρχομαί
G2064
I will come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
σοι
G4671
unto thee
to thee
#7
ταχύ
G5035
quickly
shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
πολεμήσω
G4170
will fight
to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)
#10
μετ'
G3326
against
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#11
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
#12
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ῥομφαίᾳ
G4501
the sword
a sabre, i.e., a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively)
#15
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
στόματός
G4750
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#17
μου
G3450
of my
of me

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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 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