Revelation 4:11

Authorized King James Version

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἄξιος

G514

worthy

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

εἶ

G1488

Thou art

thou art

Κύριε,

G2962

O Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

λαβεῖν

G2983

to receive

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὴν

G3588

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

δόξαν

G1391

glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὴν

G3588

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

τιμὴν

G5092

honour

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

τὴν

G3588

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

#12

δύναμιν

G1411

power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#13

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

σὺ

G4771

thou

#15

ἐκτίσθησαν

G2936

hast created

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

#16

τὰ

G3588

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

#17

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

διὰ

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#20

τὸ

G3588

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

#21

θέλημά

G2307

pleasure

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

#22

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#23

εἰσιν

G1526

they are

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

ἐκτίσθησαν

G2936

hast created

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, 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 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
In what ways does understanding glory in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?