Revelation 21:24

Authorized King James Version

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

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
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἔθνη
G1484
the nations
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#4
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
σωζομένων
G4982
of them which are saved
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φωτί
G5457
the light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#9
αὐτήν
G846
it
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
#10
περιπατήσουσιν
G4043
shall walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
βασιλεῖς
G935
the kings
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#14
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#16
φέρουσιν
G5342
do bring
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
δόξαν
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
τιμὴν
G5092
honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#22
αὐτήν
G846
it
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
#23
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#24
αὐτήν
G846
it
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 glory 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