Revelation 20:8

Authorized King James Version

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

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
ἐξελεύσεται
G1831
shall go out
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#3
πλανῆσαι
G4105
to deceive
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
#4
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
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)
#6
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐν
G1722
are in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τέσσαρσιν
G5064
the four
four
#10
γωνίαις
G1137
quarters
an angle
#11
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#13
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Γὼγ
G1136
Gog
gog, a symbolic name for some future antichrist
#15
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
Μαγώγ
G3098
Magog
magog, a foreign nation, i.e., (figuratively) an antichristian party
#18
συναγαγεῖν
G4863
to gather
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#19
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#20
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#21
πόλεμον
G4171
battle
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
#22
ὧν
G3739
of whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#23
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἀριθμὸς
G706
the number
a number (as reckoned up)
#25
ὡς
G5613
is as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#26
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
ἄμμος
G285
the sand
sand (as heaped on the beach)
#28
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
θαλάσσης
G2281
of the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)

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

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