Revelation 3:1

Authorized King James Version

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

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
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀγγέλῳ
G32
unto the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
Σάρδεσιν
G4554
Sardis
sardis, a place in asia minor
#7
ἐκκλησίας
G1577
of the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#8
γράψον·
G1125
write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#9
Τάδε
G3592
These things
the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun
#10
λέγει
G3004
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἔχεις
G2192
he that hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#13
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#15
πνεύματα
G4151
Spirits
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἑπτὰ
G2033
the seven
seven
#21
ἀστέρας·
G792
stars
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#22
Οἶδά
G1492
I know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#23
σου
G4675
thy
of thee, thy
#24
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#26
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#27
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ὄνομα
G3686
a name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#29
ἔχεις
G2192
he that hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#30
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#31
ζῇς
G2198
thou livest
to live (literally or figuratively)
#32
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#33
νεκρὸς
G3498
dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#34
εἶ
G1488
art
thou art

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

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