Revelation 9:7

Authorized King James Version

And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

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
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ὁμοιώματα
G3667
the shapes
a form; abstractly, resemblance
#4
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀκρίδων
G200
of the locusts
a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation)
#6
ὅμοιοι
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#7
ἵπποις
G2462
unto horses
a horse
#8
ἡτοιμασμένοις
G2090
prepared
to prepare
#9
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
πόλεμον
G4171
battle
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἐπὶ
G1909
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
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
κεφαλὰς
G2776
heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#15
αὐτῶν
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
#16
ὡς
G5613
were as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#17
στέφανοι
G4735
crowns
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
#18
ὅμοιοι
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#19
χρυσῷ
G5557
gold
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
πρόσωπα
G4383
faces
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#23
αὐτῶν
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
#24
ὡς
G5613
were as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#25
πρόσωπα
G4383
faces
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#26
ἀνθρώπων
G444
of men
man-faced, i.e., a human being

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

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection