Revelation 8:7

Authorized King James Version

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

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

ὁ

G3588

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

πρῶτος

G4413

The first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἄγγελος

G32

angel

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

ἐσάλπισεν·

G4537

sounded

to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἐγένετο

G1096

there followed

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

χάλαζα

G5464

hail

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

πῦρ

G4442

fire

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

#11

μεμιγμένα

G3396

mingled

to mix

#12

αἵματι

G129

with blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

ἐβλήθη

G906

they were cast

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

#15

εἰς

G1519

upon

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

#16

τὴν

G3588

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

#17

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)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

τὸ

G3588

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

#20

τρίτον

G5154

the third part

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

#21

τῶν

G3588

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

#22

δένδρων

G1186

of trees

a tree

#23

κατεκάη

G2618

was burnt up

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

πᾶς

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#26

χόρτος

G5528

grass

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

#27

χλωρὸς

G5515

green

greenish, i.e., verdant, dun-colored

#28

κατεκάη

G2618

was burnt up

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
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?