Revelation 20:13

Authorized King James Version

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

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
ἔδωκαν
G1325
delivered up
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#3
τὰ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
θάλασσα
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#5
τὰ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐν
G1722
were in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
αὐτῶν
G846
it
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
#8
νεκροὺς
G3498
the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τὰ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θάνατος
G2288
death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
τὰ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ᾅδης
G86
hell
properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls
#15
ἔδωκαν
G1325
delivered up
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#16
τὰ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐν
G1722
were in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
αὐτῶν
G846
it
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
#19
νεκροὺς
G3498
the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ἐκρίθησαν
G2919
they were judged
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#22
ἕκαστος
G1538
every man
each or every
#23
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)
#24
τὰ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#26
αὐτῶν
G846
it
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 judgment and justice 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 literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of judgment and justice 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection