Revelation 2:5

Authorized King James Version

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μνημόνευε

G3421

Remember

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πόθεν

G4159

from whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἐκπέπτωκας,

G1601

thou art fallen

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient

καὶ

G2532

and

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

μετανοήσῃς

G3340

repent

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὰ

G3588

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

πρῶτα

G4413

the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#10

ἔργα

G2041

works

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

#11

ποίησον·

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#12

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#13

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

#14

μή

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#15

ἔρχομαί

G2064

I will come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

#17

τάχει

G5034

a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

κινήσω

G2795

will remove

to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively

#20

τὴν

G3588

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

#21

λυχνίαν

G3087

candlestick

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

#22

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#23

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#24

τοῦ

G3588

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

#25

τόπου

G5117

place

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

#26

αὐτῆς

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

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#28

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#29

μετανοήσῃς

G3340

repent

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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?
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?