Revelation 7:16

Authorized King James Version

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
πεινάσουσιν
G3983
They shall hunger
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
#3
ἔτι
G2089
any more
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#4
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#5
διψήσουσιν
G1372
thirst
to thirst for (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἔτι
G2089
any more
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#7
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#8
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
πέσῃ
G4098
light
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἐπ'
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#11
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἥλιος
G2246
the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#14
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#15
πᾶν
G3956
any
all, any, every, the whole
#16
καῦμα
G2738
heat
properly, a burn (concretely), but used (abstractly) of a glow

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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