Revelation 6:15

Authorized King James Version

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

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

οἱ

G3588

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

βασιλεῖς

G935

the kings

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς

G3588

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

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

οἱ

G3588

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

μεγιστᾶνες

G3175

the great men

grandees

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

πλούσιοι

G4145

the rich men

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

οἱ

G3588

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

#14

χιλίαρχοι

G5506

the chief captains

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

οἱ

G3588

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

#17

δυνατοὶ,

G1415

the mighty men

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

πᾶς

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#20

δοῦλος

G1401

bondman

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#22

πᾶς

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#23

ἐλεύθερος

G1658

free man

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

#24

ἔκρυψαν

G2928

hid

to conceal (properly, by covering)

#25

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

themselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#26

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#27

τὰ

G3588

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

#28

σπήλαια

G4693

the dens

a cavern; by implication, a hiding-place or resort

#29

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#30

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#31

τὰς

G3588

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

#32

πέτρας

G4073

the rocks

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

#33

τῶν

G3588

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

#34

ὀρέων

G3735

of the mountains

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

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 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?