Revelation 3:17

Authorized King James Version

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

Because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λέγεις

G3004

thou sayest

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι

G3754

Because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Πλούσιός

G4145

rich

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

εἰμι

G1510

I am

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πεπλούτηκα

G4147

increased with goods

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐδενὸς

G3762

of nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#10

χρείαν

G5532

need

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

#11

ἔχω

G2192

have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#14

οἶδας

G1492

knowest

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#15

ὅτι

G3754

Because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#16

σὺ

G4771

thou

#17

εἶ

G1488

art

thou art

#18

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ταλαίπωρος

G5005

wretched

enduring trial, i.e., miserable

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

ἐλεεινὸς

G1652

miserable

pitiable

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

πτωχὸς

G4434

poor

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

τυφλὸς

G5185

blind

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#27

γυμνός

G1131

naked

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation 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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?