Revelation 6:16

Authorized King James Version

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

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
λέγουσιν
G3004
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ὄρεσιν
G3735
to the mountains
a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)
#5
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πέτραις,
G4073
rocks
a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)
#8
Πέσετε
G4098
Fall
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#10
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
κρύψατε
G2928
hide
to conceal (properly, by covering)
#13
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#14
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#15
προσώπου
G4383
the face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
καθημένου
G2521
of him that sitteth
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#18
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θρόνου
G2362
the throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#23
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ὀργῆς
G3709
the wrath
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
#25
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ἀρνίου
G721
of the Lamb
a lambkin

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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