Rev 8:3-6 | RWP | e4.org | Another angel ( αλλος αγγελος ). Not one of the seven of verse and before they began to sound the trumpets. This preliminary incident of the offering of incense on the altar covers verses . Stood ( εσταθη ). Ingressive first aorist passive of ιστημ (intransitive), "took his place." Over the altar ( επ του θυσιαστηριου ). See for the word for the burnt-offering, here apparently the altar of incense (clearly so in ; possibly also ), 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 , ; ), but here alone in N.T. and for censer, as is plain by the use of χρυσουν (golden) with it. Cf. . Much incense ( θυμιαματα πολλα ). See for θυμιαμα (the aromatic substance burnt, also in ), 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 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 ( .; ). Note triple article here το (once before the substantive, once before the adjective, once before the adjunct "the one before the throne").

‏ Revelation of John 8:3-6

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").

The smoke ( ο καπνος ). Old word, in N.T. only Ac 2:19; Re 8:4; 9:2f., 17f.; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9, 18; 19:3. Here from the incense in the angel's hand.

With the prayers ( ταις προσευχαις ). So associative-instrumental case, but it may be dative as in verse 3 (for).

Taketh ( ειληφεν ). Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of λαμβανω as in 5:7, "has taken." The angel had apparently ]aid aside the censer. Hardly merely the pleonastic use of λαμβανω (Joh 19:23). John pictures the scene for us.

Filled ( εγεμισεν ). He drops back to the narrative use of the first aorist active indicative of γεμιζω.

With the fire ( εκ του πυρος ), live coals from the altar (cf. Isa 6:6).

Cast ( εβαλεν ). Second aorist active indicative of βαλλω. See Ge 19:24 (Sodom); Eze 10:2 and Christ's bold metaphor in Lu 12:49. See this use of βαλλω also in Re 8:7; 12:4, 9, 13; 14:19.

Followed ( εγενοντο ). Came to pass naturally after the casting of fire on the earth. Same three elements in 4:5, but in different order (lightnings, voices, thunders), lightning naturally preceding thunder as some MSS. have it here. Perhaps φωνα, the voices of the storm (wind, etc.).

Prepared themselves ( ητοιμασαν αυτους ). First aorist active indicative of ετοιμαζω. They knew the signal and got ready.

To sound ( ινα σαλπισωσιν ). Sub-final (object) clause with ινα and the first aorist ingressive active subjunctive of σαλπιζω. The infinitive could have been used.