Revelation 22:9

Authorized King James Version

Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
Then
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
λέγει
G3004
saith he
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
μοι,
G3427
unto me
to me
#4
Ὅρα
G3708
See
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
#5
μή·
G3361
thou do it not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#6
σύνδουλός
G4889
fellowservant
a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)
#7
σου
G4675
of thy
of thee, thy
#8
γάρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#9
εἰμι
G1510
I am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#10
καὶ
G2532
Then
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀδελφῶν
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#13
σου
G4675
of thy
of thee, thy
#14
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
προφητῶν
G4396
the prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#16
καὶ
G2532
Then
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
τηρούντων
G5083
of them which keep
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#19
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
λόγους
G3056
the sayings
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#21
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
βιβλίου
G975
book
a roll
#23
τούτου·
G5127
of this
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
#24
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
θεῷ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#26
προσκύνησον
G4352
worship
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

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 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