Revelation 21:3

Authorized King James Version

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἤκουσα
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#3
φωνῆς
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#4
μεγάλης
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#5
ἐκ
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
#6
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
λεγούσης
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
Ἰδού,
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
σκηνὴ
the tabernacle
a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)
#12
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θεός
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#14
μετ'
is with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#15
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀνθρώπων
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#17
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
σκηνώσει
he will dwell
to tent or encamp, i.e., (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as god did in the tabernacle of old, a symbol of protectio
#19
μετ'
is with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#20
αὐτῶν
and be their
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
#21
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
αὐτῶν
and be their
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
λαοὶ
people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#24
αὐτῶν
and be their
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
#25
ἔσται
shall be
will be
#26
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
αὐτῶν
and be their
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
#28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
θεός
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#30
ἔσται
shall be
will be
#31
μετ'
is with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#32
αὐτῶν
and be their
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
#33
θεός
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#34
αὐτῶν
and be their
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 universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection