Revelation 21:9

Authorized King James Version

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦλθεν

G2064

there came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

με

G3165

εἷς

G1520

one of

one

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ

G2033

of the seven

seven

ἀγγέλων

G32

angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἐχόντων

G2192

had

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#11

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἑπτὰ

G2033

of the seven

seven

#13

φιάλας

G5357

vials

a broad shallow cup ("phial")

#14

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

γεμούσας

G1073

full

to swell out, i.e., be full

#16

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἑπτὰ

G2033

of the seven

seven

#18

πληγῶν

G4127

plagues

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

#19

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ἐσχάτων

G2078

last

farthest, final (of place or time)

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

ἐλάλησεν

G2980

talked

to talk, i.e., utter words

#23

μετ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#24

ἐμοῦ

G1700

of me

#25

λέγων,

G3004

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

#26

Δεῦρο

G1204

Come hither

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

#27

δείξω

G1166

I will shew

to show (literally or figuratively)

#28

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#29

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

νύμφην

G3565

the bride

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

#31

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

ἀρνίου

G721

the Lamb's

a lambkin

#33

τὴν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#34

γυναῖκα

G1135

wife

a woman; specially, a wife

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?