1tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
2tnGrk “from the rising of the sun.” BDAG 74 s.v. ἀνατολή 2.a takes this as a geographical direction: “ἀπὸ ἀ. ἡλίου…from the east Rv 7:2; 16:12…simply ἀπὸ ἀ. …21:13.”
3tnGrk “having,” but v. 3 makes it clear that the angel’s purpose is to seal others with the seal he carries.
4tn Or “signet” (L&N 6.54).
5tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
6tn The word “permission” is implied; Grk “to whom it was given to them to damage the earth.”
7tnGrk “saying.” The participle λέγων (legwn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
8tn See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.
9tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the introduction of new but related material.
10tnGrk “who were sealed.”
11tn Normally, “every,” but since 144,000 is the total number, “all” is clearer here.
12tnGrk “the sons of Israel,” normally an idiom for the Israelites as an ethnic entity (L&N 11.58). However, many scholars understand the expression in this context to refer to Christians rather than ethnic Israelites.
13tn The phrase “and here was” expresses the sense of καὶ ἰδού (kai idou).
14tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated before each of the following categories, since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
15tn The dative here has been translated as a dative of possession.
16tn The verb is pluperfect, but the force is simple past. See ExSyn 586.
17tnGrk “they fell down on their faces.” BDAG 815 s.v. πίπτω 1.b.α.ב. has “fall down, throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion or humility, before high-ranking persons or divine beings.”
18tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
19tnGrk “spoke” or “declared to,” but in the context “asked” reads more naturally in English.
20tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the previous question.
21tn Though the expression “the answer” is not in the Greek text, it is clearly implied. Direct objects in Greek were frequently omitted when clear from the context.
22tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
23tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
24tn Or “worship.” The word here is λατρεύω (latreuw).
25tnGrk “will spread his tent over them,” normally an idiom for taking up residence with someone, but when combined with the preposition ἐπί (epi, “over”) the idea is one of extending protection or shelter (BDAG 929 s.v. σκηνόω).
26tn An allusion to Isa 49:10. The phrase “burning heat” is one word in Greek (καῦμα, kauma) that refers to a burning, intensely-felt heat. See BDAG 536 s.v.