Revelation 2:19

Authorized King James Version

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οἶδά

G1492

I know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

τὰ

G3588

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

ἔργα

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὴν

G3588

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

ἀγάπην

G26

charity

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὴν

G3588

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

#10

διακονίαν

G1248

service

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

τὴν

G3588

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

#13

πίστιν

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

ὑπομονήν

G5281

patience

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

#17

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

τὰ

G3588

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

#20

ἔργα

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#21

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

τὰ

G3588

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

#24

ἔσχατα

G2078

the last

farthest, final (of place or time)

#25

πλείονα

G4119

to be more than

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

#26

τῶν

G3588

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

#27

πρώτων

G4413

the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?