Lectionary Calendar
Friday, July 18th, 2025
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
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Bible Commentaries
Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament Robertson's Word Pictures
Copyright Statement
The Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. Copyright © Broadman Press 1932,33, Renewal 1960. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman Press (Southern Baptist Sunday School Board)
The Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. Copyright © Broadman Press 1932,33, Renewal 1960. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman Press (Southern Baptist Sunday School Board)
Bibliographical Information
Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on Revelation 11". "Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/rwp/revelation-11.html. Broadman Press 1932,33. Renewal 1960.
Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on Revelation 11". "Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (47)New Testament (16)Individual Books (21)
Verse 1
A reed (καλαμοÏ). Old word for a growing reed (Matthew 11:7) which grew in immense brakes in the Jordan valley, a writer's reed (3 John 1:7), a measuring-rod (here, Revelation 21:15; Ezekiel 40:3-6; Ezekiel 42:16-19).
Like a rod (Î¿Î¼Î¿Î¹Î¿Ï ÏαβδÏ). See Revelation 2:27; Mark 6:8 for ÏαβδοÏ.
And one said (λεγÏν). "Saying" (present active masculine participle of λεγÏ) is all that the Greek has. The participle implies εδÏκεν (he gave), not εδοθη, a harsh construction seen in Genesis 22:20; Genesis 38:24, etc.
Rise and measure (εγειÏε κα μεÏÏηÏον). Present active imperative of εγειÏÏ (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μεÏÏεÏ. In Ezekiel 42:2 the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (verses Revelation 11:1; Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here Î½Î±Î¿Ï is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19). For altar (Î¸Ï ÏιαÏÏηÏιον) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to "them that worship therein" (ÏÎ¿Ï Ï ÏÏοÏÎºÏ Î½Î¿Ï Î½ÏÎ±Ï ÎµÎ½ Î±Ï ÏÏ) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma).
Verse 2
The court (Ïην Î±Ï Î»Î·Î½). The uncovered yard outside the house. There were usually two, one between the door and the street, the outer court, the other the inner court surrounded by the buildings (Mark 14:66). This is here the outer court, "which is without the temple" (Ïην εξÏθεν ÏÎ¿Ï Î½Î±Î¿Ï ), outside of the sanctuary, but within the ιεÏον where the Gentiles could go (carrying out the imagery of the Jerusalem temple).
Leave without (εκβαλε εξÏθεν). Literally, "cast without" (second aorist active imperative of εκβαλλÏ.
Do not measure it (μη Î±Ï Ïην μεÏÏηÏηιÏ). Prohibition with μη and the first aorist active (ingressive) subjunctive of μεÏÏεÏ. This outer court is left to its fate. In Herod's temple the outer court was marked off from the inner by "the middle wall of partition" (Ïο μεÏοιÏοιÏον ÏÎ¿Ï ÏÏÎ±Î³Î¼Î¿Ï , Ephesians 2:15), beyond which a Gentile could not go. In this outer court was a house of prayer for the Gentiles (Mark 11:17), but now John is to cast it out and leave to its fate (given to the Gentiles in another sense) to be profaned by them.
They shall tread under foot (ÏαÏηÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν). Future active of ÏαÏεÏ, here to trample with contempt as in Luke 21:24, even the holy city (Matthew 4:5; Isaiah 48:2; Nehemiah 11:1). Charles thinks that only the heavenly city can be so called here (Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:10; Revelation 22:19) because of Revelation 11:8 (Sodom and Gomorrah). But the language may be merely symbolical. See Daniel 9:24.
Forty and two months (Î¼Î·Î½Î±Ï ÏεÏÏεÏακονÏα κα Î´Ï Î¿). Accusative of extent of time. This period in Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7. It occurs in three forms in the Apocalypse (forty-two months, here and Revelation 13:5; 1260 days, Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:6; time, times and half a time or 3 1/2 years, Revelation 12:14 and so in Daniel). This period, however its length may be construed, covers the duration of the triumph of the Gentiles, of the prophesying of the two witnesses, of the sojourn of the woman in the wilderness.
Verse 3
I will give (δÏÏÏ). Future active of διδÏμ. The speaker may be God (Beckwith) or Christ (Swete) as in Revelation 2:13; Revelation 21:6 or his angel representative (Revelation 22:7; Revelation 22:12). The idiom that follows is Hebraic instead of either the infinitive after διδÏμ as in Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 6:4; Revelation 7:2; Revelation 13:7; Revelation 13:15; Revelation 16:8 or ινα with the subjunctive (Revelation 9:5; Revelation 19:8) we have κα ÏÏοÏηÏÎµÏ ÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν (and they shall prophesy).
Unto my two witnesses (ÏÎ¿Î¹Ï Î´Ï Ïιν μαÏÏÏ Ïιν Î¼Î¿Ï ). Dative case after δÏÏÏ. The article seems to point to two well-known characters, like Elijah, Elisha, but there is no possible way to determine who they are. All sorts of identifications have been attempted.
Clothed (ÏεÏÎ¹Î²Î»Î·Î¼ÎµÎ½Î¿Ï Ï). Perfect passive participle of ÏεÏÎ¹Î²Î±Î»Î»Ï as often before (Revelation 7:9; Revelation 7:13; Revelation 10:1, etc.). But Aleph A P Q here read the accusative plural in -Î¿Ï Ï, while C has the nominative in -ο. Charles suggests a mere slip for the nominative, but Hort suggests a primitive error in early MSS. for the dative ÏεÏÎ¹Î²ÎµÎ²Î»ÎµÎ¼ÎµÎ½Î¿Î¹Ï agreeing with μαÏÏÏ Ïιν.
In sackcloth (ÏÎ±ÎºÎºÎ¿Ï Ï). Accusative retained with this passive verb as in Revelation 7:9; Revelation 7:13. See Revelation 6:12 for ÏÎ±ÎºÎºÎ¿Ï and also Matthew 3:4. The dress suited the message (Matthew 11:21).
Verse 4
The two olive trees (α Î´Ï Î¿ ελαια). The article seems to point to what is known. For this original use of ελαια see Romans 11:17; Romans 11:24. In Zechariah 4:2; Zechariah 4:3; Zechariah 4:14 the lampstand or candlestick (Î»Ï Ïνια) is Israel, and the two olive trees apparently Joshua and Zerubbabel, but John makes his own use of this symbolism. Here the two olive trees and the candlesticks are identical.
Standing (εÏÏÏÏεÏ). Masculine perfect active participle agreeing with Î¿Ï Ïο instead of εÏÏÏÏα (read by P and cursives) agreeing with ελαια κα Î»Ï Ïνια, even though α (feminine plural article) be accepted before ενÏÏιον ÏÎ¿Ï ÎºÏ ÏÎ¹Î¿Ï (before the Lord).
Verse 5
If any man desireth to hurt them (ε ÏÎ¹Ï Î±Ï ÏÎ¿Ï Ï Î¸ÎµÎ»Îµ αδικηÏα). Condition of first class, assumed to be true, with ε and present active indicative (θελε) "if any one wants to hurt" (αδικηÏα first aorist active infinitive). It is impossible to hurt these two witnesses till they do their work. The fire proceeding out of the mouths of the witnesses is like Elijah's experience (2 Kings 1:10).
Devoureth (καÏεÏθιε). "Eats up (down)," present active indicative of καÏεÏθιÏ.
If any man shall desire (ε ÏÎ¹Ï Î¸ÎµÎ»Î·Ïη). Condition of third class with ε and first aorist active subjunctive of Î¸ÎµÎ»Ï as in Luke 9:13; Philippians 3:12, but MSS. also read either θελε (present active indicative) or θεληÏε (future active, condition of the first class like the preceding one. The condition is repeated in this changed form, as less likely to happen and with inevitable death (δε Î±Ï Ïον αÏοκÏανθηνα, must be killed, first aorist passive infinitive of αÏοκÏÎµÎ¹Î½Ï with δε).
Verse 6
To shut the heaven (κλειÏα Ïον Î¿Ï Ïανον). First aorist active infinitive of κλειÏ. As Elijah did by prayer (1 Kings 17:1; Luke 4:25; James 5:17).
That it rain not (ινα μη Ï ÎµÏÎ¿Ï Î²ÏεÏη). Sub-final use of ινα μη with the present active subjunctive of βÏεÏÏ, old verb to rain (Matthew 5:45), here with Ï ÎµÏÎ¿Ï as subject.
During the days (ÏÎ±Ï Î·Î¼ÎµÏαÏ). Accusative of extent of time. In Luke 4:25; James 5:17 the period of the drouth in Elijah's time was three and a half years, just the period here.
Of their prophecy (ÏÎ·Ï ÏÏοÏηÏÎµÎ¹Î±Ï Î±Ï ÏÏν). Not here the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10) or a particular prophecy or collection of prophecies (Revelation 1:3; Revelation 22:7), but "the execution of the prophetic office" (Swete).
Over the waters (ÎµÏ ÏÏν Ï Î´Î±ÏÏν). "Upon the waters." As Moses had (Exodus 7:20).
Into blood (ÎµÎ¹Ï Î±Î¹Î¼Î±). As already stated in Revelation 8:8 about the third trumpet and now again here.
To smite (ÏαÏαξα). First aorist active infinitive of ÏαÏαÏÏÏ, used here with ÎµÎ¾Î¿Ï Ïιαν εÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν (they have power), as is ÏÏÏεÏειν (to turn).
With every plague (εν ÏαÏη Ïληγη). In 1 Kings 4:8, but with reference to the plagues in Egypt.
As often as they shall desire (οÏÎ±ÎºÎ¹Ï ÎµÎ±Î½ θεληÏÏÏιν). Indefinite temporal clause with οÏÎ±ÎºÎ¹Ï and modal εαν (= αν) and the first aorist active subjunctive of θελÏ, "as often as they will."
Verse 7
When they shall have finished (οÏαν ÏελεÏÏÏιν). Merely the first aorist active subjunctive of ÏÎµÎ»ÎµÏ with οÏαν in an indefinite temporal clause with no futurum exactum (future perfect), "whenever they finish."
The beast (Ïο θηÏιον). "The wild beast comes out of the abyss" of Revelation 9:1. He reappears in Revelation 13:1; Revelation 17:8. In Daniel 7:3 θηÏια occurs. Nothing less than antichrist will satisfy the picture here. Some see the abomination of Daniel 7:7; Matthew 24:15. Some see Nero redivivus.
He shall make war with them (ÏοιηÏε μεÏ' Î±Ï ÏÏν Ïολεμον). This same phrase occurs in Revelation 12:17 about the dragon's attack on the woman. It is more the picture of single combat (Revelation 2:16).
He shall overcome them (νικηÏε Î±Ï ÏÎ¿Ï Ï). Future active of νικαÏ. The victory of the beast over the two witnesses is certain, as in Daniel 7:21.
And kill them (κα αÏοκÏενε). Future active of αÏοκÏεινÏ. Without attempting to apply this prophecy to specific individuals or times, one can agree with these words of Swete: "But his words cover in effect all the martyrdoms and massacres of history in which brute force has seemed to triumph over truth and righteousness."
Verse 8
Their dead bodies lie (Ïο ÏÏÏμα Î±Ï ÏÏν). Old word from ÏιÏÏÏ (to fall), a fall, especially of bodies slain in battle, a corpse, a carcase (Matthew 14:12), here the singular (some MSS. ÏÏÏμαÏα, plural) as belonging to each of the Î±Ï ÏÏν (their) like ÏÏομαÏÎ¿Ï Î±Ï ÏÏν (their mouth) in verse Revelation 11:5. So also in verse Revelation 11:9. No word in the Greek for "lie."
In (εÏ). "Upon," as in verse Revelation 11:6, with genitive (ÏÎ·Ï ÏλαÏειαÏ), the broad way (Î¿Î´Î¿Ï understood), from ÏλαÏÏ Ï (broad) as in Matthew 6:5, old word (Revelation 21:21; Revelation 22:2).
Of the great city (ÏÎ·Ï ÏολεÏÏ ÏÎ·Ï Î¼ÎµÎ³Î±Î»Î·Ï). Clearly Jerusalem in view of the closing clause (οÏÎ¿Ï --εÏÏÎ±Ï ÏÏθη), though not here called "the holy city" as in verse Revelation 11:2, and though elsewhere in the Apocalypse Babylon (Rome) is so described (Revelation 14:8; Revelation 16:19; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 18:2; Revelation 18:10; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 18:18; Revelation 18:19; Revelation 18:21).
Which (ηÏιÏ). Which very city, not "whichever."
Spiritually (ÏÎ½ÎµÏ Î¼Î±ÏικÏÏ). This late adverb from ÏÎ½ÎµÏ Î¼Î±ÏÎ¹ÎºÎ¿Ï (spiritual) occurs in the N.T. only twice, in 1 Corinthians 2:14 for the help of the Holy Spirit in interpreting God's message and here in a hidden or mystical (allegorical sense). For this use of ÏÎ½ÎµÏ Î¼Î±ÏÎ¹ÎºÎ¿Ï see 1 Corinthians 10:3. Judah is called Sodom in Isaiah 1:9; Ezekiel 16:46; Ezekiel 16:55. See also Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:23. Egypt is not applied to Israel in the O.T., but is "an obvious symbol of oppression and slavery" (Swete).
Where also their Lord was crucified (οÏÎ¿Ï ÎºÎ± ο ÎºÏ ÏÎ¹Î¿Ï Î±Ï ÏÏν εÏÏÎ±Ï ÏÏθη). First aorist passive indicative of ÏÏÎ±Ï ÏοÏ, to crucify, a reference to the fact of Christ's crucifixion in Jerusalem. This item is one of the sins of Jerusalem and the disciple is not greater than the Master (John 15:20).
Verse 9
Men from among (εκ ÏÏν etc.). No word for "men" (ανθÏÏÏο or Ïολλο) before εκ ÏÏν, but it is implied (partitive use of εκ) as in Revelation 2:10 and often. See also Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:9 for this enumeration of races and nations.
Do look upon (βλεÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν). Present (vivid dramatic) active indicative of βλεÏÏ.
Three days and a half (ημεÏÎ±Ï ÏÏÎµÎ¹Ï ÎºÎ± ημιÏÏ ). Accusative of extent of time. HημιÏÏ is neuter singular though ημεÏÎ±Ï (days) is feminine as in Mark 6:23; Revelation 12:14. The days of the gloating over the dead bodies are as many as the years of the prophesying by the witnesses (Revelation 11:3), but there is no necessary correspondence (day for a year). This delight of the spectators "is represented as at once fiendish and childish" (Swete).
Suffer not (Î¿Ï Îº αÏÎ¹Î¿Ï Ïιν). Present active indicative of αÏιÏ, late form for αÏιημ, as in Mark 1:34 (cf. αÏÎµÎ¹Ï in Revelation 2:20). This use of αÏιημ with the infinitive is here alone in the Apocalypse, though common elsewhere (John 11:44; John 11:48; John 12:7; John 18:8).
Their dead bodies (Ïα ÏÏÏμαÏα Î±Ï ÏÏν). "Their corpses," plural here, though singular just before and in verse Revelation 11:8.
To be laid in a tomb (Ïεθηνα ÎµÎ¹Ï Î¼Î½Î·Î¼Î±). First aorist passive of Ïιθημ, to place. Îνημα (old word from μιμνηÏκÏ, to remind) is a memorial, a monument, a sepulchre, a tomb (Mark 5:3). "In a country where burial regularly took place on the day of death the time of exposure and indignity would be regarded long" (Beckwith). See Tobit 1:18ff.
Verse 10
They that dwell upon the earth (ο καÏÎ¿Î¹ÎºÎ¿Ï Î½ÏÎµÏ ÎµÏ ÏÎ·Ï Î³Î·Ï). Present active articular participle of καÏοικεÏ, "an Apocalyptic formula" (Swete) for the non-Christian world (Revelation 3:10; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 8:13; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 17:8).
Rejoice (ÏαιÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν). Present active indicative of ÏαιÏÏ.
Over them (εÏ' Î±Ï ÏοιÏ). Locative (or dative) case with ÎµÏ as in Revelation 10:11.
Make merry (ÎµÏ ÏÏαινονÏα). Present middle indicative of ÎµÏ ÏÏαινÏ, old verb (ÎµÏ , ÏÏην, jolly mind), as in Luke 15:32; Revelation 12:12; Revelation 18:20. Jubilant jollification over the cessation of the activity of the two prophets.
They shall send gifts to one another (δÏÏα ÏεμÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν αλληλοιÏ). Future active of ÏεμÏÏ with dative αλληλοιÏ. Just as we see it done in Esther 9:19; Esther 9:22; Nehemiah 8:10; Nehemiah 8:12.
Tormented (εβαÏανιÏαν). First aorist active indicative of βαÏανιζÏ, for which see Revelation 9:5. This is the reason (οÏ) of the fiendish glee of Jew and Gentile, who no longer will have to endure the prophecies (Revelation 11:3) and dread miracles (Revelation 11:5) of these two prophets. "Such a sense of relief is perhaps not seldom felt today by bad men when a preacher of righteousness or a signal example of goodness is removed" (Swete).
Verse 11
After the (μεÏα ÏÎ±Ï etc.). The article ÏÎ±Ï (the) points back to Revelation 11:9.
The breath of life from God (ÏÎ½ÎµÏ Î¼Î± ζÏÎ·Ï ÎµÎº ÏÎ¿Ï Î¸ÎµÎ¿Ï ). This phrase (ÏÎ½ÎµÏ Î¼Î± ζÏηÏ) occurs in Genesis 6:17; Genesis 7:15; Genesis 7:22 of the lower animals, but here there is clearly an allusion to Ezekiel 37:5; Ezekiel 37:10 (also 2 Kings 13:21), where the dead bones lived again.
Entered into them (ειÏηλθεν εν Î±Ï ÏοιÏ). Second aorist active indicative of ειÏεÏÏομα with εν rather than ÎµÎ¹Ï after it (cf. Luke 9:46). The prophecy has here become fact (change from future ÏεμÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν to aorist ειÏηλθεν).
They stood upon their feet (εÏÏηÏαν ÎµÏ ÏÎ¿Ï Ï ÏÎ¿Î´Î±Ï Î±Ï ÏÏν). Ingressive second aorist active indicative of ιÏÏημ (intransitive). Reference to Ezekiel 37:10, but with the accusative in place of genitive there after ÎµÏ as in 2 Kings 13:21.
Fell upon (εÏεÏεÏεν εÏ). Second aorist active indicative of εÏιÏιÏÏÏ with repetition of εÏ. The same prophetic use of the aorist as in ειÏηλθεν and εÏÏηÏαν.
Beheld (θεÏÏÎ¿Ï Î½ÏαÏ). Present active articular participle of θεÏÏεÏ. "The spectators were panic-stricken" (Swete).
Verse 12
Saying (Î»ÎµÎ³Î¿Ï ÏηÏ). Present active predicate participle of λεγÏ, feminine genitive agreeing with ÏÏνηÏ, though some MSS. have the accusative ÏÏνην Î»ÎµÎ³Î¿Ï Ïαν, either construction being proper after Î·ÎºÎ¿Ï Ïαν (they heard). There is a little evidence for Î·ÎºÎ¿Ï Ïα like Revelation 12:10 (24 times in the book). Cf. John 5:28.
Come up hither (αναβαÏε Ïδε). Second aorist active imperative of αναβαινÏ. The ascension of these two witnesses is in full view of their enemies, not just in the presence of a few friends as with Christ (Acts 1:9).
They went up (ανεβηÏαν). Second aorist active indicative of αναβαινÏ.
In the cloud (εν Ïη νεÏελη). As Jesus did (Acts 1:9) and like Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). Their triumph is openly celebrated before their enemies and is like the rapture described by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
Verse 13
There was (εγενεÏο). "There came to pass" (second aorist middle indicative of γινομα). Earthquakes are often given as a symbol of great upheavals in social and spiritual order (Swete) as in Ezekiel 37:7; Ezekiel 38:19; Haggai 2:6; Mark 13:8; Hebrews 12:26; Revelation 6:12; Revelation 16:18.
Fell (εÏεÏεν). Second aorist active indicative of ÏιÏÏÏ, to fall. Only the tenth (Ïο δεκαÏον) of the city fell. Cf. Ïο ÏÏιÏον (the third) in Revelation 8:7-12, perhaps a conventional number.
Were killed (αÏεκÏανθηÏαν). First aorist passive indicative of αÏοκÏÎµÎ¹Î½Ï as in Revelation 9:18.
Seven thousand persons (ονομαÏα ανθÏÏÏÏν ÏÎ¹Î»Î¹Î±Î´ÎµÏ ÎµÏÏα). This use of ονομαÏα (names of men here) is like that in Revelation 3:4; Acts 1:15 and occurs in the papyri (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 196f.).
Were affrighted (εμÏοβο εγενονÏο). "Became terrified," old adjective (εν, ÏοβοÏ, fear) as in Luke 24:5; Acts 10:4; Acts 24:5. "A general movement toward Christianity, induced by fear or despair--a prediction fulfilled more than once in ecclesiastical history" (Swete).
Gave glory (εδÏκαν δοξαν). First aorist active indicative of διδÏμ, when they saw the effect of the earthquake, recognition of God's power (John 9:24; Acts 12:23; Romans 4:20).
Verse 14
Is past (αÏηλθεν). Second aorist active indicative of αÏεÏÏομα. See Revelation 9:12 for this use and Revelation 21:1; Revelation 21:4. The second woe (η Î¿Ï Î± η Î´ÎµÏ ÏεÏα) is the sixth trumpet (Revelation 9:12) with the two episodes attached (Revelation 10:1-11).
The third woe (η Î¿Ï Î± η ÏÏιÏη, feminine as in Revelation 9:12) is the seventh trumpet, which now "cometh quickly" (εÏÏεÏα ÏαÏÏ ), for which phrase see Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:7; Revelation 22:12; Revelation 22:20. Usually pointing to the Parousia.
Verse 15
There followed (εγενονÏο). "There came to pass." There was silence in heaven upon the opening of the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1), but here "great voices." Perhaps the great voices are the ζÏα of Revelation 4:6; Revelation 5:8.
Saying (λεγονÏεÏ). Construction according to sense; λεγονÏεÏ, masculine participle (not Î»ÎµÎ³Î¿Ï Ïα), though ÏÏνα, feminine. John understood what was said.
Is become (εγενεÏο). "Did become," prophetic use of the aorist participle, already a fact. See εγενεÏο in Luke 19:9.
The kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ (ÏÎ¿Ï ÎºÏ ÏÎ¹Î¿Ï Î·Î¼Ïν κα ÏÎ¿Ï Î§ÏιÏÏÎ¿Ï Î±Ï ÏÎ¿Ï ). Repeat η βαÏιλεια from the preceding. God the Father is meant here by ÎºÏ ÏÎ¹Î¿Ï (Lord), as Î±Ï ÏÎ¿Ï (his) shows. This is the certain and glorious outcome of the age-long struggle against Satan, who wields the kingdom of the world which he offered to Christ on the mountain for one act of worship. But Jesus scorned partnership with Satan in the rule of the world, and chose war, war up to the hilt and to the end. Now the climax has come with Christ as Conqueror of the kingdom of this world for his Father. This is the crowning lesson of the Apocalypse.
He shall reign (βαÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÏ Ïε). Future active of βαÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÏ Ï. God shall reign, but the rule of God and of Christ is one as the kingdom is one (1 Corinthians 15:27). Jesus is the Lord's Anointed (Luke 2:26; Luke 9:20).
Verse 16
The four and twenty elders (ο ÎµÎ¹ÎºÎ¿Ï ÏεÏÏαÏÎµÏ ÏÏεÏÎ²Ï ÏεÏο). They follow the living creatures (verse Revelation 11:15, if correctly interpreted) in their adoration, as in Revelation 4:9. Though seated on thrones of their own (Revelation 4:4), yet they fall upon their faces in every act of worship to God and Christ (Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 5:14; Revelation 19:4). Here ÎµÏ Ïα ÏÏοÏÏÏα Î±Ï ÏÏν (upon their faces) is added as in Revelation 7:11 about the angels. The elders here again represent the redeemed, as the four living creatures the forces of nature, in the great thanksgiving here (ÎµÏ ÏαÏιÏÏÎ¿Ï Î¼ÎµÎ½, present active indicative of ÎµÏ ÏαÏιÏÏεÏ).
Verse 17
O Lord God (ÎÏ Ïιε ο θεοÏ). Vocative form ÎºÏ Ïιε and nominative form ο Î¸ÎµÎ¿Ï (vocative in use). See Revelation 1:8; Revelation 4:8 for this combination with ο ÏανÏοκÏαÏÏÏ (the Almighty). For ο Ïν κα ο ην (which art and which wast) see Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 16:5.
Thou hast taken (ειληÏεÏ). Perfect active indicative of λαμβανÏ, emphasizing the permanence of God's rule, "Thou hast assumed thy power."
Didst reign (εβαÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÏ ÏαÏ). Ingressive first aorist active indicative of βαÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÏ Ï, "Didst begin to reign." See this combination of tenses (perfect and aorist) without confusion in Revelation 3:3; Revelation 5:7; Revelation 8:5.
Verse 18
Were wroth (ÏÏγιÏθηÏαν). Ingressive first aorist active indicative of οÏγιζομα, "became angry." The culmination of wrath against God (Revelation 16:13; Revelation 20:8). Cf. Psalms 2:1; Psalms 2:5; Psalms 2:12; Psalms 99:1; Acts 4:25. John sees the hostility of the world against Christ.
Thy wrath came (ηλθεν η οÏγη ÏÎ¿Ï ). Second aorist active indicative of εÏÏομα, the prophetic aorist again. The Dies Irae is conceived as already come.
The time of the dead to be judged (ο καιÏÎ¿Ï ÏÏν νεκÏÏν κÏιθηνα). For this use of καιÏÎ¿Ï see Mark 11:13; Luke 21:24. By "the dead" John apparently means both good and bad (John 5:25; Acts 24:21), coincident with the resurrection and judgment (Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:15; Revelation 20:1-15). The infinitive κÏιθηνα is the first aorist passive of κÏινÏ, epexegetic use with the preceding clause, as is true also of Î´Î¿Ï Î½Î± (second aorist active infinitive of διδÏμ), to give.
Their reward (Ïον μιÏθον). This will come in the end of the day (Matthew 20:8), from God (Matthew 6:1), at the Lord's return (Revelation 22:12), according to each one's work (1 Corinthians 3:8).
The small and the great (ÏÎ¿Ï Ï Î¼Î¹ÎºÏÎ¿Ï Ï ÎºÎ± ÏÎ¿Ï Ï Î¼ÎµÎ³Î±Î»Î¿Ï Ï). The accusative here is an anacoluthon and fails to agree in case with the preceding datives after Î´Î¿Ï Î½Î± Ïον μιÏθον, though some MSS. have the dative ÏÎ¿Î¹Ï Î¼Î¹ÎºÏοιÏ, etc. John is fond of this phrase "the small and the great" (Revelation 13:16; Revelation 19:5; Revelation 19:18; Revelation 20:12).
To destroy (διαÏθειÏα). First aorist active infinitive of διαÏθειÏÏ, carrying on the construction with καιÏοÏ. Note ÏÎ¿Ï Ï Î´Î¹Î±ÏθειÏονÏαÏ, "those destroying" the earth (corrupting the earth). There is a double sense in διαÏθειÏÏ that justifies this play on the word. See Revelation 19:2. In 1 Timothy 6:5 we have those "corrupted in mind" (διαÏθαÏμενο Ïον Î½Î¿Ï Î½). God will destroy the destroyers (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Verse 19
Was opened (ηνοιγη). Second aorist passive indicative of ανοιγÏ, with augment on the preposition as in Revelation 15:5. For the sanctuary (ναοÏ) of God in heaven see Revelation 3:12; Revelation 7:15; Revelation 15:5; Revelation 21:22.
Was seen (ÏÏθη). First aorist passive indicative of οÏαÏ.
The ark of his covenant (η κιβÏÏÎ¿Ï ÏÎ·Ï Î´Î¹Î±Î¸Î·ÎºÎ·Ï Î±Ï ÏÎ¿Ï ). The sacred ark within the second veil of the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:4) and in the inner chamber of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:6) which probably perished when Nebuchadrezzar burnt the temple (2 Kings 25:9; Jeremiah 3:16). For the symbols of majesty and power in nature here see also Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 16:18; Revelation 16:21.