Revelation 20:12

Authorized King James Version

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

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

τοὺς

G3588

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

νεκροὶ

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

μικρούς

G3398

small

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

μεγάλους

G3173

great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἑστῶτας

G2476

stand

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#10

τοῦ

G3588

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

#11

θεοῦ,

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

βιβλίοις

G975

book

a roll

#14

ἠνεῳχθη,

G455

was opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

βιβλίοις

G975

book

a roll

#17

ἄλλο

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#18

ἠνεῳχθη,

G455

was opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

#19

ὅ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#20

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#21

τῆς

G3588

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

#22

ζωῆς

G2222

the book of life

life (literally or figuratively)

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#24

ἐκρίθησαν

G2919

were judged

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#25

οἱ

G3588

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

#26

νεκροὶ

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#27

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

#28

τῶν

G3588

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

#29

γεγραμμένων

G1125

those things which were written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

#30

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#31

τοῖς

G3588

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

#32

βιβλίοις

G975

book

a roll

#33

κατὰ

G2596

according to

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#34

τὰ

G3588

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

#35

ἔργα

G2041

works

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

#36

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Daniel 7:10 Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
— Books were opened
² John 5:28 John 5:28
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
— All shall hear his voice

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights judgment and justice through simile or metaphorical language. 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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the judgment and justice theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?