>>>>The underlying Greek word for “earth” is γῆς, which without qualifiers, can and typically does mean the land of Israel.<<<<
>>In some passages it does mean Israel, but it can also mean the actual earth.<<
Yes. Generally, it can mean soil, ground, land, and the earth. It can also mean other things colloquially, such as the Temple’s inner and outer courts as in 2 Peter 3:10. But I have found that it is frequently mistranslated to mean the entire earth when the historical context is a region or nation.
The most consequential to eschatology, in my opinion, is Revelation 1:7. In context it says that some who pierced him would still be alive. Jesus said that when he returned, his disciples (or at least some of them) would witness his return. Therefore, a more contextually sound understanding of “every eye” seems to be the eyes of “the tribes of the land of Israel” when all scripture and historical records are considered.
>>As in all these situations the context of the passage(s) and overall use of the word will help us understand the proper meaning.<<
I have found that the context applied is influenced by one’s eschatology. For example, I have always believed that Jesus and the apostles were speaking and writing almost exclusively to their contemporaries, and not to me; so I tend to place myself in their shoes as much as possible when interpreting (as I do with all historical writings.) Others tend to interpret the prophecies of Jesus and the apostles to be referring to modern times.
Mr. Kalamata
—> seems to be the eyes of “the tribes of the land of Israel
Where does history record that every eye of the tribes of Israel witnessed Christ coming on the clouds?
Where does history record every Jew being caught up worldwide into the clouds?
The tense and mood of the verbs in v7 point to a certain future event which had not happened at the time John was given this. 1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John,
2who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
3Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,
5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—
6and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
Revelation 1:7 is much broader than just Israel. It is a worldwide application:
Every eye will see Him.
all the tribes of the earth.