Revelation 5:8

Authorized King James Version

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

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

ὅτε

G3753

when

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἔλαβεν

G2983

he had taken

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

τὸ

G3588

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

βιβλίον

G975

the book

a roll

τὰ

G3588

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

τέσσαρες

G5064

four

ζῷα

G2226

beasts

a live thing, i.e., an animal

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

οἱ

G3588

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

#11

εἴκοσι

G1501

and twenty

a score

#12

τέσσαρες

G5064

four

#13

πρεσβύτεροι

G4245

elders

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

#14

ἔπεσον

G4098

fell down

to fall (literally or figuratively)

#15

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#16

τοῦ

G3588

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

#17

ἀρνίου

G721

the Lamb

a lambkin

#18

ἔχοντες

G2192

having

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

#19

ἕκαστος

G1538

every one of them

each or every

#20

κιθάρας,

G2788

harps

a lyre

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#22

φιάλας

G5357

vials

a broad shallow cup ("phial")

#23

χρυσᾶς

G5552

golden

made of gold

#24

γεμούσας

G1073

full

to swell out, i.e., be full

#25

θυμιαμάτων

G2368

of odours

an aroma, i.e., fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself

#26

αἵ

G3739

which

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

#27

εἰσιν

G1526

are

they are

#28

αἱ

G3588

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

#29

προσευχαὶ

G4335

the prayers

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

#30

τῶν

G3588

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

#31

ἁγίων

G40

of saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?