Revelation 3:7

Authorized King James Version

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

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
to 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
Φιλαδελφείᾳ
G5359
Philadelphia
philadelphia, 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
ἅγιος
G40
he that is holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#13
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀληθινός
G228
he that is true
truthful
#15
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἔχων
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
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
κλεῖδα
G2807
the key
a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
Δαβίδ,
G1138
of David
david, the israelite king
#21
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἀνοίγει·
G455
he that openeth
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#23
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
οὐδεὶς
G3762
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#25
κλείει
G2808
shutteth
to close (literally or figuratively)
#26
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
κλείει
G2808
shutteth
to close (literally or figuratively)
#28
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#29
οὐδεὶς
G3762
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#30
ἀνοίγει·
G455
he that openeth
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection