Revelation 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

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
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀγγέλῳ
G32
unto the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
Θυατείροις
G2363
Thyatira
thyatira, a place in asia minor
#7
ἐκκλησίας
G1577
of the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#8
γράψον·
G1125
write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#9
Τάδε
G3592
These things
the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun
#10
λέγει
G3004
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
υἱὸς
G5207
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#13
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἔχων
G2192
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#17
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ὀφθαλμοὺς
G3788
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#19
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#20
ὡς
G5613
like
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#21
φλόγα
G5395
unto a flame
a blaze
#22
πυρός
G4442
of fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#23
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
οἱ
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
πόδες
G4228
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#26
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#27
ὅμοιοι
G3664
are like
similar (in appearance or character)
#28
χαλκολιβάνῳ·
G5474
fine brass
burnished copper, an alloy of copper (or gold) and silver having a brilliant lustre

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