Revelation 21:12

Authorized King James Version

And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔχουσαν
G2192
and had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#2
τε
G5037
And
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#3
τεῖχος
G5038
a wall
a wall (as formative of a house)
#4
μέγα
G3173
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ὑψηλόν
G5308
high
lofty (in place or character)
#7
ἔχουσαν
G2192
and had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
πυλῶσιν
G4440
gates
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
#9
δώδεκα
G1427
the names of the twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐπὶ
G1909
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#12
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πυλῶσιν
G4440
gates
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
#14
ἀγγέλους
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#15
δώδεκα
G1427
the names of the twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ὀνόματα
G3686
names
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#18
ἐπιγεγραμμένα
G1924
written thereon
to inscribe (physically or mentally)
#19
ἅ
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#20
ἐστιν
G2076
are
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#21
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
δώδεκα
G1427
the names of the twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#23
φυλῶν
G5443
tribes
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#24
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
υἱῶν
G5207
of the children
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#26
Ἰσραήλ·
G2474
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

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

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