Revelation 9:20

Authorized King James Version

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

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
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
λοιποὶ
the rest
remaining ones
#4
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀνθρώπων
of the men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
ἀπεκτάνθησαν
killed
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#9
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πληγαῖς
plagues
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#12
ταύταις
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#13
οὔτε
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#14
μετενόησαν
repented
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
#15
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἔργων
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#18
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
χειρῶν
hands
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#20
αὐτῶν
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
#21
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#22
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#23
προσκυνήσωσιν
they should
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#24
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
δαιμόνια
devils
a daemonic being; by extension a deity
#26
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
εἴδωλα
idols
an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such
#28
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
χρυσᾶ
of gold
made of gold
#30
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#31
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
ἀργυρᾶ
silver
made of silver
#33
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#34
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#35
χαλκᾶ
brass
coppery
#36
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#37
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#38
λίθινα
stone
stony, i.e., made of stone
#39
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#40
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#41
ξύλινα
of wood
wooden
#42
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#43
οὔτε
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#44
βλέπειν
see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#45
δύναται
can
to be able or possible
#46
οὔτε
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#47
ἀκούειν
hear
to hear (in various senses)
#48
οὔτε
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#49
περιπατεῖν
walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

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

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