Revelation 3:21

Authorized King James Version

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἐνίκησα
G3528
overcame
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#3
δώσω
G1325
will I grant
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
To him
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
#5
ἐκάθισα
G2523
am set down
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#6
μετὰ
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#7
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me
#8
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θρόνῳ
G2362
throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#11
μου
G3450
my
of me
#12
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#13
κἀγὼ
G2504
I also
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
#14
ἐνίκησα
G3528
overcame
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἐκάθισα
G2523
am set down
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#17
μετὰ
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#18
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πατρός
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#20
μου
G3450
my
of me
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θρόνῳ
G2362
throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#24
αὐτοῦ
G846
To him
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

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

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