Revelation 2:26

Authorized King James Version

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

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
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
νικῶν
G3528
he that overcometh
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#4
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
τηρῶν
G5083
keepeth
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#7
ἄχρι
G891
unto
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#8
τέλους
G5056
the end
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
#9
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#11
μου
G3450
my
of me
#12
δώσω
G1325
will I give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#13
αὐτῷ
G846
to him
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
#14
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#15
ἐπὶ
G1909
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#16
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐθνῶν
G1484
the nations
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

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 covenant community 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 historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection