Revelation 20:3

Authorized King James Version

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

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

ἔβαλεν

G906

cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

αὐτὸν

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

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν

G3588

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

ἄβυσσον

G12

the bottomless pit

depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἔκλεισεν

G2808

shut

to close (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν

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

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

ἐσφράγισεν

G4972

set a seal

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

#12

ἐπάνω

G1883

upon

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

#13

αὐτὸν

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

#14

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#15

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#16

πλανήσῃ

G4105

he should deceive

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

#17

τὰ

G3588

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

#18

ἔθνη

G1484

the nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#19

ἔτι

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

#20

ἄχρι

G891

till

(of time) until or (of place) up to

#21

τελεσθῇ

G5055

should be fulfilled

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

#22

τὰ

G3588

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

#23

χίλια

G5507

the thousand

a thousand

#24

ἔτη

G2094

years

a year

#25

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#26

μετὰ

G3326

after

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#27

ταῦτα

G5023

that

these things

#28

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#29

αὐτὸν

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

#30

λυθῆναι

G3089

be loosed

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

#31

μικρὸν

G3398

a little

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

#32

χρόνον

G5550

season

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?