Revelation 8:5

Authorized King James Version

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

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

εἴληφεν

G2983

took

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ὁ

G3588

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

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

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

τὸ

G3588

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

λιβανωτόν

G3031

the censer

frankincense, i.e., (by extension) a censer for burning it

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐγέμισεν

G1072

filled

to fill entirely

αὐτὸ

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

#10

ἐκ

G1537

with

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

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

πυρὸς

G4442

fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

#13

τοῦ

G3588

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

#14

θυσιαστηρίου

G2379

of the altar

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

ἔβαλεν

G906

cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#17

εἰς

G1519

it into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#18

τὴν

G3588

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

#19

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)

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

ἐγένοντο

G1096

there were

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#22

φωναὶ

G5456

voices

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

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#24

βρονταὶ

G1027

thunderings

thunder

#25

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#26

ἀστραπαὶ

G796

lightnings

lightning; by analogy, glare

#27

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#28

σεισμός

G4578

an earthquake

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

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

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?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?