Revelation 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

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
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#3
ἤνοιξεν
G455
he had opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#4
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
πέμπτην
G3991
the fifth
fifth
#6
σφραγῖδα
G4973
seal
a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or
#7
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
ὑποκάτω
G5270
under
down under, i.e., beneath
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θυσιαστηρίου
G2379
the altar
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
#11
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ψυχὰς
G5590
the souls
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#13
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐσφαγμένων
G4969
of them that were slain
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
#15
διὰ
G1223
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#16
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
λόγον
G3056
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#18
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
διὰ
G1223
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#22
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
μαρτυρίαν
G3141
the testimony
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
#24
ἣν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#25
εἶχον
G2192
they held
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection