Revelation 3:14

Authorized King James Version

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

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
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
#6
Λαοδικέων
G2994
of the Laodiceans
a laodicean, i.e., inhabitant of laodicia
#7
γράψον·
G1125
write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#8
Τάδε
G3592
These things
the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun
#9
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
#10
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Ἀμήν
G281
the Amen
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#12
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μάρτυς
G3144
witness
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
#14
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πιστὸς
G4103
the faithful
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἀληθινός
G228
true
truthful
#18
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἀρχὴ
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
κτίσεως
G2937
of the creation
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
#22
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θεοῦ·
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation 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