Revelation 9:17

Authorized King James Version

And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

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
οὕτως
thus
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#3
εἶδον
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
#4
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἵππων
of the horses
a horse
#6
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ὁράσει
the vision
the act of gazing, i.e., (externally) an aspect or (internally) an inspired appearance
#9
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
καθημένους
them that sat
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#12
ἐπ'
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#13
αὐτῶν
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
#14
ἔχοντας
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
θώρακας
breastplates
the chest ("thorax"), i.e., (by implication) a corslet
#16
πυρίνους
of fire
fiery, i.e., (by implication) flaming
#17
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ὑακινθίνους
of jacinth
"hyacinthine" or "jacinthine", i.e., deep blue
#19
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
θειώδεις
brimstone
sulphur-like, i.e., sulphurous
#21
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
αἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
κεφαλαὶ
the heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#24
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἵππων
of the horses
a horse
#26
ὡς
were as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#27
κεφαλαὶ
the heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#28
λεόντων
of lions
a "lion"
#29
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#30
ἐκ
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#31
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
στομάτων
mouths
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#33
αὐτῶν
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
#34
ἐκπορεύεται
issued
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#35
πῦρ
fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#36
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#37
καπνὸς
smoke
smoke
#38
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#39
θεῖον
brimstone
sulphur

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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection