Revelation 5:11

Authorized King James Version

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εἶδον,

G1492

I beheld

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἤκουσα

G191

I heard

to hear (in various senses)

φωνὴν

G5456

the voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἀγγέλων

G32

angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

πολλῶν

G4183

of many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

κύκλοθεν

G2943

round about

from the circle, i.e., all around

τοῦ

G3588

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

#10

θρόνου

G2362

the throne

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

τῶν

G3588

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

#13

ζῴων

G2226

the beasts

a live thing, i.e., an animal

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

τῶν

G3588

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

#16

πρεσβυτέρων·

G4245

the elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#19

ὁ

G3588

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

#20

ἀριθμὸς

G706

the number

a number (as reckoned up)

#21

αὐτῶν

G846

of them

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

#22

μυριάδων,

G3461

ten thousand

a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number

#23

μυριάδων,

G3461

ten thousand

a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

χιλιάδων,

G5505

of thousands

one thousand ("chiliad")

#26

χιλιάδων,

G5505

of thousands

one thousand ("chiliad")

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?