Revelation 9:8

Authorized King James Version

And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

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
εἶχον
G2192
they had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
τρίχας
G2359
hair
of uncertain derivation; hair
#4
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
τρίχας
G2359
hair
of uncertain derivation; hair
#6
γυναικῶν
G1135
of women
a woman; specially, a wife
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὀδόντες
G3599
teeth
a "tooth"
#10
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
#11
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#12
λεόντων
G3023
the teeth of lions
a "lion"
#13
ἦσαν
G2258
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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