Revelation 8:3

Authorized King James Version

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἄλλος
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#3
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
ἦλθεν
came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἐστάθη
stood
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἐπὶ
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θυσιαστήριον,
altar
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
#10
ἔχων
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#11
λιβανωτὸν
censer
frankincense, i.e., (by extension) a censer for burning it
#12
χρυσοῦν
a golden
made of gold
#13
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
δώσῃ
he should offer
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#15
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#16
θυμιάματα
incense
an aroma, i.e., fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself
#17
πολλὰ
much
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#18
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#19
δώσῃ
he should offer
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#20
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
προσευχαῖς
it with the prayers
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
#22
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἁγίων
G40
saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#24
πάντων
of all
all, any, every, the whole
#25
ἐπὶ
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#26
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
θυσιαστήριον,
altar
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
#28
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
χρυσοῦν
a golden
made of gold
#30
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
ἐνώπιον
was before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#32
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
θρόνου
the throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection