Revelation 7:1

Authorized King James Version

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

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

μετὰ

G3326

after

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

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

τέσσαρας

G5064

four

ἀγγέλους

G32

angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἑστῶτας

G2476

standing

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰς

G3588

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

#10

τέσσαρας

G5064

four

#11

γωνίας

G1137

corners

an angle

#12

τῆς

G3588

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

#13

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)

#14

κρατοῦντας

G2902

holding

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

#15

τοὺς

G3588

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

#16

τέσσαρας

G5064

four

#17

ἄνεμος

G417

the wind

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

#18

τῆς

G3588

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

#19

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)

#20

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#21

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#22

πνέῃ

G4154

blow

to breathe hard, i.e., breeze

#23

ἄνεμος

G417

the wind

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

#24

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#25

τῆς

G3588

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

#26

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)

#27

μήτε

G3383

nor

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

#28

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#29

τῆς

G3588

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

#30

θαλάσσης

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

#31

μήτε

G3383

nor

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

#32

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#33

πᾶν

G3956

any

all, any, every, the whole

#34

δένδρον

G1186

tree

a tree

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Revelation.

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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?