‏ Revelation of John 8:3

 Another angel ( αλλος αγγελος ). Not one of the seven of verse 2 and before they began to sound the trumpets. This preliminary incident of the offering of incense on the altar covers verses 3-6.

 Stood ( εσταθη ). Ingressive first aorist passive of  ιστημ (intransitive), "took his place."

 Over the altar ( επ του θυσιαστηριου ). See 6:9 for the word for the burnt-offering, here apparently the altar of incense (clearly so in Lu 1:11; possibly also Re 9:13), but it is not clear that in apocalyptic the distinction between the two altars of the tabernacle and temple is preserved. Aleph C Q have the genitive, while A P have the accusative  επ το θυσιαστηριον.

 A golden censer ( λιβανωτον χρυσουν ). Old word for frankincense (from  λιβανος, Mt 2:11; Re 18:13), but here alone in N.T. and for censer, as is plain by the use of  χρυσουν (golden) with it. Cf. 1Ki 7:50.

 Much incense ( θυμιαματα πολλα ). See 5:8 for  θυμιαμα (the aromatic substance burnt, also in 18:13), but here for the live coals on which the incense falls.

 That he should add ( ινα δωσε ). Sub-final clause (subject of  εδοθη, was given, singular because  θυμιαματα neuter plural) with  ινα and the future active indicative of  διδωμ, to give, instead of  δω, the second aorist subjunctive.

 Unto the prayers ( ταις προσευχαις ). Dative case. In 5:18 the  θυμιαματα are the prayers.

 Upon the golden altar ( επ το θυσιαστηριον το χρυσουν το ). Accusative case here, not genitive as above, and apparently the altar of incense as indicated by the word golden (Ex 30:1ff.; Le 4:17). Note triple article here  το (once before the substantive, once before the adjective, once before the adjunct "the one before the throne").

Copyright information for RWP