Revelation 4:7

Authorized King James Version

And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

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
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ζῷον
G2226
beast
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#4
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
πρῶτον
G4413
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#6
ὅμοιον
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#7
λέοντι
G3023
a lion
a "lion"
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
δεύτερον
G1208
the second
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#11
ζῷον
G2226
beast
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#12
ὅμοιον
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#13
μόσχῳ
G3448
a calf
a young bullock
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
τρίτον
G5154
the third
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
#17
ζῷον
G2226
beast
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#18
ἔχον
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#19
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
πρόσωπον
G4383
a face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#21
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#22
ἄνθρωπος
G444
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#23
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
τέταρτον
G5067
the fourth
fourth
#26
ζῷον
G2226
beast
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#27
ὅμοιον
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#28
ἀετῷ
G105
eagle
an eagle (from its wind-like flight)
#29
πετωμένῳ
G4072
a flying
to fly

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection