ἀpὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 13:8)

An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 13:8

Abstract

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (KJV).  Revelation 13:8

The phrase ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (apo katabolēs kosmou, “from the foundation of the world”) in Revelation 13:8 has sparked considerable debate among scholars due to its grammatical flexibility and theological depth. This article is an attempt to determine whether it modifies “the book of life” (implying the names were written from the foundation of the world) or “the Lamb who was slain” (implying the Lamb was foreordained to be slain from the foundation of the world).