Revelation 21:10

Authorized King James Version

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

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

ἀπήνεγκέν

G667

away

to bear off (literally or relatively)

με

G3165

ἐν

G1722

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

πνεύματι

G4151

the spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐπ'

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

ὄρος

G3735

mountain

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

μεγάλην,

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

ὑψηλόν

G5308

high

lofty (in place or character)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

ἔδειξέν

G1166

shewed

to show (literally or figuratively)

#13

μοι

G3427

to me

#14

τὴν

G3588

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

#15

πόλιν

G4172

city

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

#16

τὴν

G3588

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

#17

μεγάλην,

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#18

τὴν

G3588

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

#19

ἁγίαν

G40

the holy

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

#20

Ἰερουσαλὴμ

G2419

Jerusalem

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

#21

καταβαίνουσαν

G2597

descending

to descend (literally or figuratively)

#22

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

#23

τοῦ

G3588

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

#24

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

heaven

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

#25

ἀπὸ

G575

from

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

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?