Revelation 22:1

Authorized King James Version

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

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
ἔδειξέν
G1166
he shewed
to show (literally or figuratively)
#3
μοι
G3427
me
to me
#4
καθαρὸν
G2513
a pure
clean (literally or figuratively)
#5
ποταμὸν
G4215
river
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
#6
ὕδατος
G5204
of water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#7
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#8
λαμπρὸν
G2986
clear
radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)
#9
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
κρύσταλλον
G2930
crystal
ice, i.e., (by analogy) rock "crystal"
#11
ἐκπορευόμενον
G1607
proceeding
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#12
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
#13
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
θρόνου
G2362
the throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#15
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἀρνίου
G721
of the Lamb
a lambkin

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 life 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

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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection