Revelation 2:7

Authorized King James Version

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἔχων
G2192
He that hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
οὖς
G3775
an ear
the ear (physically or mentally)
#4
ἀκουσάτω
G191
let him hear
to hear (in various senses)
#5
τί
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#6
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πνεῦμα
G4151
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#8
λέγει
G3004
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐκκλησίαις
G1577
unto the churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#11
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
νικῶντι
G3528
that overcometh
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#13
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)
#14
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
#15
φαγεῖν
G5315
to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ξύλου
G3586
the tree
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
#19
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#21
ὅ
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#22
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#23
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#24
μέσῶ
G3319
the midst
middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
#25
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
παραδείσου
G3857
of the paradise
a park, i.e., (specially), an eden (place of future happiness, "paradise")
#27
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection