Revelation 21:1

Authorized King James Version

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more 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
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#3
οὐρανὸς
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#4
καινήν
G2537
a new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#5
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
γῆ
G1093
earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#7
καινήν
G2537
a new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#8
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#10
πρώτη
G4413
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#11
οὐρανὸς
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
πρώτη
G4413
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#15
γῆ
G1093
earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#16
παρῆλθεν
G3928
were passed away
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
θάλασσα
G2281
sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#20
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#21
ἔστιν
G2076
there was
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#22
ἔτι
G2089
more
"yet," still (of time or degree)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

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