Revelation 7:9

Authorized King James Version

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Word-by-Word Analysis

Μετὰ

G3326

After

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ταῦτα

G5023

this

these things

εἶδον

G1492

I beheld

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

ἰδού,

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὄχλος

G3793

multitude

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολύς

G4183

a great

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ὃν

G3739

which

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

ἀριθμῆσαι

G705

number

to enumerate or count

#10

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

#11

οὐδεὶς

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#12

ἠδύνατο,

G1410

could

to be able or possible

#13

ἐκ

G1537

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

#14

παντὸς

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#15

ἔθνους

G1484

nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

φυλῶν

G5443

kindreds

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

λαῶν

G2992

people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

γλωσσῶν

G1100

tongues

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

#22

ἑστῶτες

G2476

stood

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#23

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#24

τοῦ

G3588

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

#25

θρόνου

G2362

the throne

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

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#27

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#28

τοῦ

G3588

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

#29

ἀρνίου

G721

the Lamb

a lambkin

#30

περιβεβλημένοι

G4016

clothed

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

#31

στολὰς

G4749

robes

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

#32

λευκάς

G3022

with white

white

#33

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#34

φοίνικες

G5404

palms

a palm-tree

#35

ἐν

G1722

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

#36

ταῖς

G3588

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

#37

χερσὶν

G5495

hands

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#38

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 covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?