Revelation 22:14

Authorized King James Version

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Μακάριοι
G3107
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#2
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ποιοῦντες
G4160
are they that do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#4
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐντολὰς
G1785
commandments
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#6
αὐτῶν
G846
his
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
#7
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#8
ἔσται
G2071
may have
will be
#9
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐξουσία
G1849
right
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#11
αὐτῶν
G846
his
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
#12
ἐπὶ
G1909
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#13
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ξύλον
G3586
the tree
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
#15
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πυλῶσιν
G4440
in through the gates
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
#20
εἰσέλθωσιν
G1525
may enter
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#21
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#22
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
πόλιν
G4172
the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of life 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

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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection