Revelation 21:15

Authorized King James Version

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

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
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
λαλῶν
G2980
he that talked
to talk, i.e., utter words
#4
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#5
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me
#6
εἶχεν
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#7
κάλαμον
G2563
reed
a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen
#8
χρυσοῦν
G5552
a golden
made of gold
#9
ἵνα
G2443
to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
μετρήσῃ
G3354
measure
to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)
#11
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πόλιν
G4172
the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πυλῶνας
G4440
the gates
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
#16
αὐτῆς
G846
thereof
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
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
τεῖχος
G5038
the wall
a wall (as formative of a house)
#20
αὐτῆς
G846
thereof
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

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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