Revelation 7:11

Authorized King James Version

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

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

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ

G3588

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

ἄγγελοι

G32

the angels

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

ἑστήκεσαν

G2476

stood

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

κύκλῳ

G2945

round about

i.e., in a circle (by implication, of g1722), i.e., (adverbially) all around

τοῦ

G3588

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

θρόνου

G2362

the throne

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

τῶν

G3588

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

#11

πρεσβυτέρων

G4245

about the elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#13

τῶν

G3588

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

#14

τεσσάρων

G5064

the four

four

#15

ζῴων

G2226

beasts

a live thing, i.e., an animal

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

ἔπεσον

G4098

fell

to fall (literally or figuratively)

#18

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#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

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

#22

πρόσωπον

G4383

faces

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#23

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

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

προσεκύνησαν

G4352

worshipped

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

#26

τῷ

G3588

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

#27

θεῷ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?