Revelation 9:1

Authorized King James Version

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πέμπτος
G3991
the fifth
fifth
#4
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#5
ἐσάλπισεν·
G4537
sounded
to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
#6
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
ἀστέρα
G792
a star
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#9
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
πεπτωκότα
G4098
fall
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#13
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
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)
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐδόθη
G1325
was given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#18
αὐτῷ
G846
to 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
#19
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
κλεὶς
G2807
the key
a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively
#21
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
φρέατος
G5421
pit
a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)
#23
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἀβύσσου
G12
of the bottomless
depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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