Revelation 9:4

Authorized King James Version

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐῤῥέθη

G4483

it was commanded

to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτῶν

G846

them

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

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

αδικήσωσιν

G91

hurt

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χόρτον

G5528

the grass

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#11

οὐδὲ

G3761

neither

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

#12

πᾶν

G3956

any

all, any, every, the whole

#13

χλωρὸν

G5515

green thing

greenish, i.e., verdant, dun-colored

#14

οὐδὲ

G3761

neither

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

#15

πᾶν

G3956

any

all, any, every, the whole

#16

δένδρον

G1186

tree

a tree

#17

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#18

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#19

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ἀνθρώπους

G444

those men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#21

μόνους

G3441

only

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

#22

οἵτινες

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#23

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#24

ἔχουσιν

G2192

have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#25

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

σφραγῖδα

G4973

the seal

a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or

#27

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#29

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#30

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

μετώπων

G3359

foreheads

the forehead (as opposite the countenance)

#32

αὐτῶν

G846

them

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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?