Revelation 20:9

Authorized King James Version

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

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

ἀνέβησαν

G305

they went up

to go up (literally or figuratively)

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

τὸ

G3588

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

πλάτος

G4114

the breadth

width

τῆς

G3588

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

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)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐκύκλωσαν

G2944

about

to encircle, i.e., surround

#10

τὴν

G3588

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

#11

παρεμβολὴν

G3925

the camp

a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)

#12

τῶν

G3588

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

#13

ἁγίων

G40

of the saints

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

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

πόλιν

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#17

τὴν

G3588

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

#18

ἠγαπημένην

G25

the beloved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#20

κατέβη

G2597

came down

to descend (literally or figuratively)

#21

πῦρ

G4442

fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

#22

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#23

τοῦ

G3588

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

#24

Θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#25

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

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#29

κατέφαγεν

G2719

devoured

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

#30

αὐτούς

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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of love reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?