Revelation 7:15

Authorized King James Version

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διὰ

G1223

Therefore

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτό

G5124

that thing

εἰσιν

G1526

are they

they are

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

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

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

λατρεύουσιν

G3000

serve

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

#11

αὐτούς

G846

him

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

#12

ἡμέρας

G2250

day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

νυκτὸς

G3571

night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

#15

ἐν

G1722

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

#16

τῷ

G3588

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

#17

ναῷ

G3485

temple

a fane, shrine, temple

#18

αὐτούς

G846

him

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

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

ὁ

G3588

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

#21

καθήμενος

G2521

he that sitteth

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

#22

ἐπ'

G1909

among

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

#23

τοῦ

G3588

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

#24

θρόνου

G2362

the throne

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

#25

σκηνώσει

G4637

shall dwell

to tent or encamp, i.e., (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as god did in the tabernacle of old, a symbol of protectio

#26

ἐπ'

G1909

among

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

#27

αὐτούς

G846

him

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

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 sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?