Revelation 20:1

Authorized King James Version

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

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
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#3
ἄγγελον
G32
an angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
καταβαίνοντα
G2597
come down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#5
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
ἔχοντα
G2192
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#9
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κλεῖδα
G2807
the key
a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively
#11
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀβύσσου
G12
of the bottomless pit
depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἅλυσιν
G254
chain
a fetter or manacle
#15
μεγάλην
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#16
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
χεῖρα
G5495
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#19
αὐτοῦ
G846
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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