Revelation 5:6

Authorized King James Version

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

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

ἰδού,

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ

G3319

the midst

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τοῦ

G3588

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

θρόνου

G2362

of the throne

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

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

τῶν

G3588

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

#11

τεσσάρων

G5064

of the four

four

#12

ζῴων

G2226

beasts

a live thing, i.e., an animal

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

μέσῳ

G3319

the midst

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

#16

τῶν

G3588

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

#17

πρεσβυτέρων

G4245

of the elders

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

#18

ἀρνίον

G721

a Lamb

a lambkin

#19

ἑστηκὸς

G2476

stood

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#20

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#21

ἐσφαγμένον

G4969

it had been slain

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

#22

ἔχον

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#23

κέρατα

G2768

horns

a horn (literally or figuratively)

#24

ἑπτὰ

G2033

seven

#25

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#26

ὀφθαλμοὺς

G3788

eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

#27

ἑπτὰ

G2033

seven

#28

οἵ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#29

εἰσιν

G1526

are

they are

#30

τὰ

G3588

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

#31

ἑπτὰ

G2033

seven

#32

τοῦ

G3588

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

#33

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#34

πνεύματα

G4151

Spirits

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#35

τὰ

G3588

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

#36

ἀπεσταλμένα

G649

sent forth

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

#37

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#38

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#39

τὴν

G3588

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

#40

γῆν

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
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?