Revelation 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

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
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀγγέλῳ
G32
unto the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐκκλησίας
G1577
of the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#6
Σμυρναίων
G4668
in Smyrna
a smyrnaean
#7
γράψον·
G1125
write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#8
Τάδε
G3592
These things
the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun
#9
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
#10
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πρῶτος
G4413
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἔσχατος
G2078
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#15
ὃς
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#16
ἐγένετο
G1096
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#17
νεκρὸς
G3498
dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἔζησεν·
G2198
is alive
to live (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. 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