Revelation 6:10

Authorized King James Version

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on 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

ἔκραζον

G2896

they cried

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

φωνῇ

G5456

voice

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

μεγάλῃ

G3173

with a loud

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

λέγοντες,

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

Ἕως

G2193

How

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

πότε

G4219

long

interrogative adverb, at what time

ὁ

G3588

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

δεσπότης

G1203

O Lord

an absolute ruler ("despot")

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

ἅγιος

G40

holy

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

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

ὁ

G3588

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

#14

ἀληθινός,

G228

true

truthful

#15

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#16

κρίνεις

G2919

dost thou

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

ἐκδικεῖς

G1556

avenge

to vindicate, retaliate, punish

#19

τὸ

G3588

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

#20

αἷμα

G129

blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#21

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#22

ἀπὸ

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#23

τῶν

G3588

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

#24

κατοικούντων

G2730

them that dwell

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

#25

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#26

τῆς

G3588

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

#27

γῆς;

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 judgment and justice through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of judgment and justice, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about judgment and justice?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?