Revelation 9:19

Authorized King James Version

For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἐξουσία
G1849
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#4
αὐταῖς
G846
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
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
στόματι
G4750
mouth
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
#8
αὐταῖς
G846
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
#9
εἰσιν,
G1526
is
they are
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
οὐραὶ
G3769
tails
a tail
#14
αὐταῖς
G846
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
#15
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#17
οὐραὶ
G3769
tails
a tail
#18
αὐταῖς
G846
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
#19
ὅμοιαι
G3664
were like
similar (in appearance or character)
#20
ὄφεσιν,
G3789
unto serpents
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
#21
ἔχουσαι
G2192
and had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#22
κεφαλάς,
G2776
heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
αὐταῖς
G846
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
#26
ἀδικοῦσιν.
G91
they do hurt
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

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

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