An exegetical analysis of the imperatival use of the phrase “Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν” in Revelation 14:7 and its background use in selected Old Testament texts

Abstract

This thesis is an exegetical analysis of the imperatival use of the phrase Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν (fear God) in Rev 14:7 and its background use in selected OT texts. There is a lack of consensus among scholars on the meaning of the imperative Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν in Rev 14:7. One group of scholars interprets the imperative denotatively while the other understands it connotatively. This polarization is due to a lack of an exegetically derived meaning that has the OT as its basis. This research therefore sought to establish the exegetical meaning of the imperative Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν in Rev 14:7 based on its use in the OT. First, the research carried out a comparative analysis of related literature, followed by an exegesis of the text in question and five selected OT texts were analysed last. The theological implications of Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν as well as a summary of the findings were outlined in the third and fourth chapters respectively. Five OT texts, morphologically or syntactically, in the imperatival יְר֧אוּ אֶת־יְה וָ֛ה (fear God) were selected and these were Lev 19:14, Deut 6:13, Josh 24:14, 2 Kings 17:39 and Eccl 12:13. While some scholars understand the imperative Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν as referring to being afraid of God, all the five selected texts revealed otherwise. Exegesis of “ יְר֧אוּ אֶת־יְה וָ֛ה ” in Lev 19:14 showed that by commanding Israel to fear Him, God meant the people of Israel were supposed to treat the weak and vulnerable among them with love and kindness. In Deut 6:13 and Josh 24:14 the same imperative is used to mean the people of God must shun syncretism, while in 2 Kings 17:39 and Eccl 12:13 the same imperative means the people of God must keep His commandments and shun worship of other gods. The thesis revealed that the book of Revelation can only be understood if related OT background is considered. Basing on the meaning of “fear God” derived from the selected texts, the research revealed that the imperative Φοβήθητε τὸν θεὸν should be understood connotatively. It is a command to humankind to shun syncretism, love people, keep God’s commandments and worship or sacrifice to Him alone.