Revelation 7:2

Authorized King James Version

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

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

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

ἄλλον

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἀγγέλοις

G32

angel

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

ἀναβάντα

G305

ascending

to go up (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἀνατολῆς

G395

the east

a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)

ἡλίου

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

ἔχοντα

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#10

σφραγῖδα

G4973

the seal

a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or

#11

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

#12

ζῶντος

G2198

of the living

to live (literally or figuratively)

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

ἔκραξεν

G2896

he cried

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

#15

φωνῇ

G5456

voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

#16

μεγάλῃ

G3173

with a loud

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

#17

τοῖς

G3588

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

#18

τέσσαρσιν

G5064

to the four

four

#19

ἀγγέλοις

G32

angel

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

#20

οἷς

G3739

to whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#21

ἐδόθη

G1325

was given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#22

αὐτοῖς

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

#23

ἀδικῆσαι

G91

to hurt

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

#24

τὴν

G3588

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

#25

γῆν

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#26

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#27

τὴν

G3588

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

#28

θάλασσαν

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?