Revelation 6:11

Authorized King James Version

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

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

ἐδόθησαν

G1325

were given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἑκάστοις

G1538

unto every one of them

each or every

στολαὶ

G4749

robes

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

λευκαὶ,

G3022

white

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐῤῥέθη

G4483

it was said

to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτοί

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#10

ἀναπαύσωνται

G373

they should rest

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

#11

ἔτι

G2089

yet

"yet," still (of time or degree)

#12

χρόνον

G5550

season

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

#13

μικρόν

G3398

for a little

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

#14

ἕως

G2193

until

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

#15

οὗ

G3739

were should

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

#16

πληρωσονται

G4137

be fulfilled

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

οἱ

G3588

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

#19

σύνδουλοι

G4889

fellowservants

a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)

#20

αὐτοί

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#22

οἱ

G3588

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

#23

ἀδελφοὶ

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#24

αὐτοί

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#25

οἱ

G3588

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

#26

μέλλοντες

G3195

that should

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

#27

ἀποκτείνεσθαι

G615

be killed

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

#28

ὡς

G5613

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

#29

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#30

αὐτοί

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 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

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?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?