Revelation 20:2

Authorized King James Version

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

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
ἐκράτησεν
G2902
he laid hold on
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
#3
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δράκοντα
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#5
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ὄφιν
G3789
serpent
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
#7
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀρχαῖον,
G744
that old
original or primeval
#9
ὅς
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#11
Διάβολος
G1228
the Devil
a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
Σατανᾶς
G4567
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἔδησεν
G1210
bound
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#16
αὐτὸν
G846
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
#17
χίλια
G5507
a thousand
a thousand
#18
ἔτη
G2094
years
a year

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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