Revelation 7:14

Authorized King James Version

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

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

εἴρηκα

G2046

I said

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτῷ

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

Κύριέ

G2962

Sir

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

σὺ

G4771

thou

οἶδας

G1492

knowest

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εἶπέν

G2036

he said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι

G3427

to me

#10

Οὗτοί

G3778

These

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#11

εἰσιν

G1526

are they

they are

#12

οἱ

G3588

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

#13

ἐρχόμενοι

G2064

which came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#14

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#15

τῆς

G3588

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

#16

θλίψεως

G2347

tribulation

pressure (literally or figuratively)

#17

τῆς

G3588

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

#18

μεγάλης

G3173

great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#20

ἔπλυναν

G4150

have washed

to "plunge", i.e., launder clothing

#21

τὰς

G3588

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

#22

στολὰς

G4749

robes

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

#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

ἐλεύκαναν

G3021

made

to whiten

#26

στολὰς

G4749

robes

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

#27

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

#28

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#29

τῷ

G3588

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

#30

αἵματι

G129

the blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#31

τοῦ

G3588

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

#32

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 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 revelation. 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?
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?
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?