Revelation 20:7

Authorized King James Version

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

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
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#3
τελεσθῇ
G5055
are expired
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
#4
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
χίλια
G5507
the thousand
a thousand
#6
ἔτη
G2094
years
a year
#7
λυθήσεται
G3089
shall be loosed
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#8
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
Σατανᾶς
G4567
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#10
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
#11
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
φυλακῆς
G5438
prison
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#13
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

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 literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God 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