Revelation 7:3

Authorized King James Version

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγων,
G3004
Saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
Μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#3
ἀδικήσητε
G91
Hurt
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
#4
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
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)
#6
μήτε
G3383
neither
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
#7
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θάλασσαν
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#9
μήτε
G3383
neither
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
#10
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
δένδρα
G1186
the trees
a tree
#12
ἄχρις
G891
till
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#13
οὗ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#14
σφραγίζωμεν
G4972
we have sealed
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
#15
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
δούλους
G1401
the servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#19
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#20
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
μετώπων
G3359
foreheads
the forehead (as opposite the countenance)
#23
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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

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