Revelation 6:1

Authorized King James Version

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

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
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#3
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#4
ἤνοιξεν
G455
opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#5
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀρνίον
G721
the Lamb
a lambkin
#7
ἑνὸς
G1520
one
one
#8
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
σφραγίδων
G4973
the seals
a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#13
ἑνὸς
G1520
one
one
#14
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#15
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
τεσσάρων
G5064
the four
four
#17
ζῴων
G2226
beasts
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#18
λέγοντος
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#19
ὡς
G5613
as it were
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
φωνὴς
G5456
the noise
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#21
βροντῆς
G1027
of thunder
thunder
#22
Ἔρχου
G2064
Come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#23
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
βλέπε
G991
see
to look at (literally or figuratively)

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

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