KJV: And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
YLT: And answer did one of the elders, saying to me, 'These, who have been arrayed with the white robes -- who are they, and whence came they?'
Darby: And one of the elders answered, saying to me, These who are clothed with white robes, who are they, and whence came they?
ASV: And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and whence came they?
ἀπεκρίθη | answered |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular Root: ἀποκρίνομαι Sense: to give an answer to a question proposed, to answer. |
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εἷς | one |
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: εἷς Sense: one. |
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πρεσβυτέρων | elders |
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural Root: πρεσβύτερος Sense: elder, of age,. |
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λέγων | saying |
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: λέγω Sense: to say, to speak. |
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μοι | to me |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Singular Root: ἐγώ Sense: I, me, my. |
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Οὗτοι | These |
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: οὗτος Sense: this. |
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οἱ | - |
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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περιβεβλημένοι | having been clothed with |
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: παρεμβάλλω Sense: to throw around, to put around. |
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στολὰς | robes |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: στολή Sense: an equipment. |
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τὰς | - |
Parse: Article, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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λευκὰς | white |
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: λευκός Sense: light, bright, brilliant. |
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εἰσὶν | are they |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural Root: εἰμί Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. |
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πόθεν | from where |
Parse: Adverb Root: πόθεν Sense: of place: from where, from what condition. |
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ἦλθον | have they come |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural Root: ἔρχομαι Sense: to come. |
Greek Commentary for Revelation 7:13
First aorist passive (deponent) of αποκρινομαι apokrinomai with λεγων legōn (saying), a common (only here in the Apocalypse) Hebrew redundancy in the Gospels (Mark 9:5). An elder intervenes, though no question has been asked to interpret the vision (Swete). [source]
Prophetic predicate nominative put before τινες εισιν tines eisin (who are they). Note article repeated with στολας stolas pointing to Revelation 7:9, and accusative also retained after περιβεβλημενοι peribeblēmenoi as there. Both “who” and “whence” as in Joshua 9:8. [source]
In the sense of taking up speech in connection with some given occasion, as Matthew 11:25. See also on John 2:18. [source]
The Rev., properly, follows the Greek order, which places first “These which are arrayed in the white robes, who are they?” emphatic and indicating the natural order of the thought as it presents itself to the inquirer. For what, render who, as Rev. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 7:13
Present active participle of καταβαινω katabainō picturing the process of the descent as in Revelation 20:1 (cf. Revelation 3:12).Arrayed with a cloud (περιβεβλημενον νεπελην peribeblēmenon nephelēn). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō with accusative case retained as in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13. Not proof that this angel is Christ, though Christ will come on the clouds (Revelation 1:7) as he ascended on a cloud (Acts 1:9). God‘s chariot is in the clouds (Psalm 104:3), but this angel is a special messenger of God‘s.The rainbow See Revelation 4:3 for this word. The construction here is changed from the accusative to the nominative.As the sun (ως ο ηλιος hōs ho hēlios). The very metaphor applied to Christ in Revelation 1:16.As pillars of fire Somewhat like the metaphor of Christ in Revelation 1:15, but still no proof that this angel is Christ. On στυλος stulos see Revelation 3:12; Galatians 2:9. [source]
Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō with accusative case retained as in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13. Not proof that this angel is Christ, though Christ will come on the clouds (Revelation 1:7) as he ascended on a cloud (Acts 1:9). God‘s chariot is in the clouds (Psalm 104:3), but this angel is a special messenger of God‘s. [source]
Dative case after δωσω dōsō 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 (περιβλημενους periblēmenous). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō as often before (Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13; Revelation 10:1, etc.). But Aleph A P Q here read the accusative plural in ους ̇ous while C has the nominative in οι ̇oi Charles suggests a mere slip for the nominative, but Hort suggests a primitive error in early MSS. for the dative περιβεβλεμενοις peribeblemenois agreeing with μαρτυσιν martusin sackcloth (σακκους sakkous). Accusative retained with this passive verb as in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13. See Revelation 6:12 for σακκος sakkos and also Matthew 3:4. The dress suited the message (Matthew 11:21). [source]
Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō as often before (Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13; Revelation 10:1, etc.). But Aleph A P Q here read the accusative plural in ους ̇ous while C has the nominative in οι ̇oi Charles suggests a mere slip for the nominative, but Hort suggests a primitive error in early MSS. for the dative περιβεβλεμενοις peribeblemenois agreeing with μαρτυσιν martusin sackcloth Accusative retained with this passive verb as in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13. See Revelation 6:12 for σακκος sakkos and also Matthew 3:4. The dress suited the message (Matthew 11:21). [source]
First aorist active indicative of μολυνω molunō (1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Peter 1:4), pollution.They shall walk (περιπατησουσιν peripatēsousin). Future active of περιπατεω peripateō promise of fellowship with Christ (μετ εμου met' emou with me) “in white” (εν λευκοις en leukois), as symbols of purity (Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13) like the angel (Matthew 28:3), with possibly a reference to Enoch (Genesis 5:22). For they are worthy (οτι αχιοι εισιν hoti axioi eisin). To walk with Christ, not worthy in the same sense as God and Christ (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9), but in a relative sense. See Revelation 16:6 for bad sense of αχιος axios f0). [source]
Future middle indicative of περιβαλλω periballō to fling around one, here and in Revelation 4:4 with εν en and the locative, but usually in this book with the accusative of the thing, retained in the passive or with the middle (Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 19:8, Revelation 19:13). [source]
Apparently the spiritual bodies in the risen life as in 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:4 and often in Revelation (Revelation 3:4, Revelation 3:5; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13.; Revelation 19:8).I will in no wise blot out (ου μη εχαλειπσω ou mē exaleipsō). Strong double negative ου μη ou mē and the first aorist active (or future) of εχαλειπω exaleiphō old word, to wipe out (Acts 3:19).Of the book of life Ablative case with εκ ek This divine register first occurs in Exodus 32:32. and often in the O.T. See Luke 10:20; Philemon 4:3; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:27. The book is in Christ‘s hands (Revelation 13:8; Revelation 21:27).His name (το ονομα αυτου to onoma autou). The name of the one who overcomes (ο νικων ho nikōn). Clear reminiscence of the words of Christ about confessing to the Father those who confess him here (Matthew 10:32; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Luke 12:8). Whether John knew the Synoptic Gospels (and why not?) he certainly knew such sayings of Jesus. [source]
Locative case here as in Revelation 3:5 (with εν en), though accusative in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13.Crowns of gold (στεπανους χρυσους stephanous chrusous). Accusative case again like πρεσβυτερους presbuterous after ειδον eidon (Revelation 4:1), not ιδου idou In Revelation 19:14 εχων echōn (having) is added. John uses διαδημα diadēma (diadem) for the kingly crown in Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 19:12, but it is not certain that the old distinction between διαδεμ diadem as the kingly crown and στεπανος stephanos as the victor‘s wreath is always observed in late Greek. [source]
“One from among the elders” of Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10 No particular reason for one elder as the agent over another (Revelation 7:13). [source]
Here John drops back to the narrative tense (the second aorist active indicative of λαμβανω lambanō), not the past perfect as the English rendering might indicate, merely “when he took.” For like vivid variation (not confusion) of tenses with ειληπεν eilēphen see Revelation 3:3; Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:17 and with ειρηκα eirēka in Revelation 7:13.; Revelation 19:3. [source]
So P Q, but Aleph A have accusative τρονους thronous (supply ειδον eidon from Revelation 4:1) and τεσσαρες tessares (late accusative in ες ̇es). This further circle of thrones beyond the great throne.I saw four and twenty elders (εικοσι τεσσαρας πρεσβυτερους eikosi tessaras presbuterous). No ειδον eidon in the text, but the accusative case calls for it. Twenty-four as a symbolic number occurs only in this book and only for these elders (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 11:16; Revelation 19:4). We do not really know why this number is chosen, perhaps two elders for each tribe, perhaps the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles (Judaism and Christianity), perhaps the twenty-four courses of the sons of Aaron (1 Chron 24:1-19), perhaps some angelic rank (Colossians 1:16) of which we know nothing. Cf. Ephesians 2:6.Sitting Upon their thrones.Arrayed (περιβεβλημενους peribeblēmenous). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō (to throw around).In white garments Locative case here as in Revelation 3:5 (with εν en), though accusative in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13.Crowns of gold (στεπανους χρυσους stephanous chrusous). Accusative case again like πρεσβυτερους presbuterous after ειδον eidon (Revelation 4:1), not ιδου idou In Revelation 19:14 εχων echōn (having) is added. John uses διαδημα diadēma (diadem) for the kingly crown in Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 19:12, but it is not certain that the old distinction between διαδεμ diadem as the kingly crown and στεπανος stephanos as the victor‘s wreath is always observed in late Greek. [source]
Upon their thrones.Arrayed (περιβεβλημενους peribeblēmenous). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō (to throw around).In white garments Locative case here as in Revelation 3:5 (with εν en), though accusative in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13.Crowns of gold (στεπανους χρυσους stephanous chrusous). Accusative case again like πρεσβυτερους presbuterous after ειδον eidon (Revelation 4:1), not ιδου idou In Revelation 19:14 εχων echōn (having) is added. John uses διαδημα diadēma (diadem) for the kingly crown in Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 19:12, but it is not certain that the old distinction between διαδεμ diadem as the kingly crown and στεπανος stephanos as the victor‘s wreath is always observed in late Greek. [source]
Old word from στελλω stellō to equip, an equipment in clothes, a flowing robe (Mark 12:38). For the white robe for martyrs see Revelation 3:4.; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13; Revelation 19:14. [source]
Same form in Revelation 7:1, only nominative masculine plural referring to οχλος ochlos (masculine singular), construction according to sense like the plural λεγοντων legontōn with οχλου ochlou in Revelation 19:1.Arrayed (περιβεβλημενους peribeblēmenous). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω periballō but in the accusative plural (not nominative like εστωτες hestōtes), a common variation in this book when preceded by ειδον eidon and ιδου idou as in Revelation 4:4 (τρονοι πρεσβυτερους thronoiπεριβεβλημενοι presbuterous). Charles regards this as a mere slip which would have been changed to στολας λευκας peribeblēmenoi if John had read the MS. over.In white robes Predicate accusative retained with this passive verb of clothing as in Revelation 7:13; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 19:13.Palms (ιδου phoinikes). Nominative again, back to construction with ειδον idou not eidon Old word, in N.T. only here for palm branches and John 12:13 for palm trees. Both these and the white robes are signs of victory and joy. [source]
Predicate accusative retained with this passive verb of clothing as in Revelation 7:13; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 19:13.Palms (ιδου phoinikes). Nominative again, back to construction with ειδον idou not eidon Old word, in N.T. only here for palm branches and John 12:13 for palm trees. Both these and the white robes are signs of victory and joy. [source]
“An address of reverence to a heavenly being” (Vincent), not an act of worship on John‘s part.Thou knowest (συ οιδας su oidas). “At once a confession of ignorance, and an appeal for information” (Swete), not of full confidence like συ οιδας su oidas in John 21:15.They which come out of the great tribulation Present middle participle with the idea of continued repetition. “The martyrs are still arriving from the scene of the great tribulation” (Charles). Apparently some great crisis is contemplated (Matthew 13:19.; Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:10), though the whole series may be in mind and so may anticipate final judgment.And they washed (και επλυναν kai eplunan). First aorist active indicative of πλυνω plunō old verb, to wash, in N.T. only Luke 5:2; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 22:14. This change of construction after οι ερχομενοι hoi erchomenoi from οι πλυνησαντες hoi plunēsantes to και επλυναν kai eplunan is common in the Apocalypse, one of Charles‘s Hebraisms, like και εποιησεν kai epoiēsen in Revelation 1:6 and και πλαναι kai planāi in Revelation 2:20.Made them white First aorist active indicative of λευκαινω leukainō to whiten, old verb from λευκος leukos (Revelation 7:13), in N.T. only here and Mark 9:3. “Milligan remarks that robes are the expression of character and compares the word habit used of dress” (Vincent). The language here comes partly from Genesis 49:11 and partly from Exodus 19:10, Exodus 19:14. For the cleansing power of Christ‘s blood see also Romans 3:25; Romans 5:9; Colossians 1:20: Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 22:14. “The aorists look back to the life on earth when the cleansing was effected” (Swete). See Philemon 2:12. for both divine and human aspects of salvation.In the blood of the Lamb (εν τωι αιματι του αρνιου en tōi haimati tou arniou). There is power alone in the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin (1 John 1:7), not in the blood of the martyrs themselves. The result is “white,” not “red,” as one might imagine. [source]
Present middle participle with the idea of continued repetition. “The martyrs are still arriving from the scene of the great tribulation” (Charles). Apparently some great crisis is contemplated (Matthew 13:19.; Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:10), though the whole series may be in mind and so may anticipate final judgment.And they washed (και επλυναν kai eplunan). First aorist active indicative of πλυνω plunō old verb, to wash, in N.T. only Luke 5:2; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 22:14. This change of construction after οι ερχομενοι hoi erchomenoi from οι πλυνησαντες hoi plunēsantes to και επλυναν kai eplunan is common in the Apocalypse, one of Charles‘s Hebraisms, like και εποιησεν kai epoiēsen in Revelation 1:6 and και πλαναι kai planāi in Revelation 2:20.Made them white First aorist active indicative of λευκαινω leukainō to whiten, old verb from λευκος leukos (Revelation 7:13), in N.T. only here and Mark 9:3. “Milligan remarks that robes are the expression of character and compares the word habit used of dress” (Vincent). The language here comes partly from Genesis 49:11 and partly from Exodus 19:10, Exodus 19:14. For the cleansing power of Christ‘s blood see also Romans 3:25; Romans 5:9; Colossians 1:20: Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 22:14. “The aorists look back to the life on earth when the cleansing was effected” (Swete). See Philemon 2:12. for both divine and human aspects of salvation.In the blood of the Lamb (εν τωι αιματι του αρνιου en tōi haimati tou arniou). There is power alone in the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin (1 John 1:7), not in the blood of the martyrs themselves. The result is “white,” not “red,” as one might imagine. [source]
First aorist active indicative of λευκαινω leukainō to whiten, old verb from λευκος leukos (Revelation 7:13), in N.T. only here and Mark 9:3. “Milligan remarks that robes are the expression of character and compares the word habit used of dress” (Vincent). The language here comes partly from Genesis 49:11 and partly from Exodus 19:10, Exodus 19:14. For the cleansing power of Christ‘s blood see also Romans 3:25; Romans 5:9; Colossians 1:20: Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 22:14. “The aorists look back to the life on earth when the cleansing was effected” (Swete). See Philemon 2:12. for both divine and human aspects of salvation.In the blood of the Lamb (εν τωι αιματι του αρνιου en tōi haimati tou arniou). There is power alone in the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin (1 John 1:7), not in the blood of the martyrs themselves. The result is “white,” not “red,” as one might imagine. [source]