Revelation 2:27

Authorized King James Version

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

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
ποιμανεῖ
G4165
he shall rule
to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)
#3
αὐτοὺς
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
#4
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
ῥάβδῳ
G4464
a rod
a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)
#6
σιδηρᾷ
G4603
of iron
made of iron
#7
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#8
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
σκεύη
G4632
the vessels
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
#10
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κεραμικὰ
G2764
of a potter
made of clay, i.e., earthen
#12
συντρίβεται
G4937
shall they be broken to shivers
to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)
#13
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
κἀγώ
G2504
I
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
#15
εἴληφα
G2983
received
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#16
παρά
G3844
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πατρός
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#19
μου
G3450
my
of me

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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection