Revelation 5:14

Authorized King James Version

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

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
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
τέσσαρες
G5064
the four
four
#4
ζῷα
G2226
beasts
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#5
ἔλεγον,
G3004
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#6
Ἀμήν,
G281
Amen
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
εἴκοσι
G1501
and twenty
a score
#10
τέσσαρες
G5064
the four
four
#11
πρεσβύτεροι
G4245
elders
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
#12
ἔπεσαν
G4098
fell down
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
προσεκύνησαν
G4352
worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#15
ζῶντι
G2198
him that liveth
to live (literally or figuratively)
#16
εἰς
G1519
for
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
αἰώνων
G165
and ever
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#19
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
αἰώνων
G165
and ever
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

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