Revelation 21:4

Authorized King James Version

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

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
ἐξαλείψει
G1813
shall wipe away
to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
πᾶν
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
δάκρυον
G1144
tears
a tear
#7
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#8
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὀφθαλμῶν
G3788
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#10
αὐτῶν
G846
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
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θάνατος
G2288
death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#14
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
ἔσται
G2071
shall there be
will be
#16
ἔτι
G2089
any more
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#17
οὔτε
G3777
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#18
πένθος
G3997
sorrow
grief
#19
οὔτε
G3777
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#20
κραυγὴ
G2906
crying
an outcry (in notification, tumult or grief)
#21
οὔτε
G3777
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#22
πόνος
G4192
pain
toil, i.e., (by implication) anguish
#23
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#24
ἔσται
G2071
shall there be
will be
#25
ἔτι
G2089
any more
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#26
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#27
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
πρῶτα
G4413
the former things
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#29
ἀπῆλθον
G565
are passed away
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

Cross References

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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

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection