Revelation 6:14

Authorized King James Version

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

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
οὐρανὸς
G3772
the heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#3
ἀπεχωρίσθη
G673
departed
to rend apart; reflexively, to separate
#4
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
βιβλίον
G975
a scroll
a roll
#6
εἱλισσόμενον
G1507
when it is rolled together
to coil or wrap
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
πᾶν
G3956
every
all, any, every, the whole
#9
ὄρος
G3735
mountain
a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
νῆσος
G3520
island
an island
#12
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#13
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
τόπων
G5117
places
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#15
αὐτῶν
G846
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
#16
ἐκινήθησαν
G2795
were moved
to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively

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

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