Revelation 2:23

Authorized King James Version

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

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
τὰ
G3588
he which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
τέκνα
G5043
children
a child (as produced)
#4
αὐτῆς
G846
her
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
#5
ἀποκτενῶ
G615
I will kill
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#6
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
θανάτῳ
G2288
death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
γνώσονται
G1097
shall know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#10
πᾶσαι
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#11
τὰ
G3588
he which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἐκκλησίαι
G1577
the churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#13
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
ἐγώ
G1473
I
i, me
#15
εἰμι
G1510
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#16
τὰ
G3588
he which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐρευνῶν
G2045
searcheth
to seek, i.e., (figuratively) to investigate
#18
νεφροὺς
G3510
the reins
a kidney (plural), i.e., (figuratively) the inmost mind
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
καρδίας
G2588
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
δώσω
G1325
I will give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#23
ὑμῖν
G5213
of you
to (with or by) you
#24
ἑκάστῳ
G1538
unto every one
each or every
#25
κατὰ
G2596
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#26
τὰ
G3588
he which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#28
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you

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 revelation 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

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