Revelation 20:6

Authorized King James Version

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μακάριος

G3107

Blessed

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἅγιος

G40

holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ὁ

G3588

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

ἔχει

G2192

hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μέρος

G3313

part

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἐν

G1722

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

τῇ

G3588

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

ἀναστάσει

G386

resurrection

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

#10

τῇ

G3588

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

#11

πρώτῃ·

G4413

the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#12

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#13

τούτων

G5130

such

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

#14

ὁ

G3588

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

#15

θάνατος

G2288

death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#16

ὁ

G3588

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

#17

δεύτερος

G1208

the second

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

#18

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#19

ἔχει

G2192

hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#20

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#21

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#22

ἔσονται

G2071

they shall be

will be

#23

ἱερεῖς

G2409

priests

a priest (literally or figuratively)

#24

τοῦ

G3588

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

#25

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#27

τοῦ

G3588

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

#28

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#30

βασιλεύσουσιν

G936

shall reign

to rule (literally or figuratively)

#31

μετ'

G3326

with him

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

#32

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

#33

χίλια

G5507

a thousand

#34

ἔτη

G2094

years

a year

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 kingdom of God 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?