Revelation 21:2

Authorized King James Version

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

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
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#3
Ἰωάννης
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#4
εἶδον
G1492
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
#5
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
πόλιν
G4172
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#7
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἁγίαν
G40
the holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#9
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
G2419
Jerusalem
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
#10
καινὴν
G2537
new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#11
καταβαίνουσαν
G2597
coming down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#12
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#13
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
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
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#18
ἡτοιμασμένην
G2090
prepared
to prepare
#19
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
νύμφην
G3565
a bride
a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife
#21
κεκοσμημένην
G2885
adorned
to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
#22
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἀνδρὶ
G435
husband
a man (properly as an individual male)
#24
αὐτῆς
G846
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 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