Revelation 3:5

Authorized King James Version

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
νικῶν
G3528
He that overcometh
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#3
οὕτος
G3778
the same
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#4
περιβαλεῖται
G4016
shall be clothed
to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
ἱματίοις
G2440
raiment
a dress (inner or outer)
#7
λευκοῖς
G3022
white
white
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
οὐ
G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#11
ἐξαλείψω
G1813
I will
to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)
#12
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ὄνομα
G3686
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#14
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#15
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βίβλου
G976
the book
a scroll
#18
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#20
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ἐξομολογήσομαι
G1843
I will confess
to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully
#22
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ὄνομα
G3686
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#24
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#25
ἐνώπιον
G1799
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#26
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πατρός
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#28
μου
G3450
my
of me
#29
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#30
ἐνώπιον
G1799
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#31
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
ἀγγέλων
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#33
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection