Revelation 9:2

Authorized King James Version

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the 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
ἤνοιξεν
G455
he opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#3
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
φρέατος
G5421
of the 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)
#5
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀβύσσου
G12
the bottomless
depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἀνέβη
G305
there arose
to go up (literally or figuratively)
#9
καπνοῦ
G2586
a smoke
smoke
#10
ἐκ
G1537
by reason of
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
φρέατος
G5421
of the 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)
#13
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
καπνοῦ
G2586
a smoke
smoke
#15
καμίνου
G2575
furnace
a furnace
#16
μεγάλης
G3173
of a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἐσκοτίσθη
G4654
were darkened
to obscure (literally or figuratively)
#19
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἥλιος
G2246
the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἀὴρ
G109
the air
"air" (as naturally circumambient)
#24
ἐκ
G1537
by reason of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#25
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
καπνοῦ
G2586
a smoke
smoke
#27
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
φρέατος
G5421
of the 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)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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