1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his slaves the things that must take place with speed — and he signified it, sending through his angel to his slave John, [1:2] who testified to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as many things as he saw. [1:3] Blessed is the one reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it, for the time is near.
REV 1:1-3
Prologue
In the world it was spoken into
The opening of Revelation would have been heard by its first audience as a dramatic unveiling of divine authority and urgency. The term (apokalypsis) carried weight in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, signaling a divine disclosure of hidden truths. For Jewish listeners, this echoed prophetic traditions where God revealed His plans to His servants. Greco-Roman readers might have associated it with oracles or divine messages. The mention of (douloi, slaves) underscored the complete submission and loyalty expected of those who serve God, a concept familiar in both Jewish covenantal theology and Roman household hierarchies. The urgency of (tachei, speed) would have resonated with a community under pressure, possibly facing persecution or societal upheaval, emphasizing that these events were imminent. The blessing pronounced on those who read, hear, and (tēreō, guard) the prophecy highlighted the communal and active nature of engaging with this text, not just as passive recipients but as vigilant participants in God’s unfolding plan.
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How other translations render this
REV 1:1
- KJV
- The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
- BSB
- This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,
- Koinōnos
- The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his slaves the things that must take place with speed — and he signified it, sending through his angel to his slave John,
REV 1:2
- KJV
- Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
- BSB
- who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
- Koinōnos
- who testified to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as many things as he saw.
REV 1:3
- KJV
- Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
- BSB
- Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
- Koinōnos
- Blessed is the one reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it, for the time is near.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
REV 1:1
- [The] revelation:The word translated 'revelation' refers to an unveiling or disclosure of something previously hidden, especially divine mysteries. It implies making known what was secret or unknown.
- bond-servants:The term translated 'bond-servants' refers to a slave, someone who is the property of another and completely subject to their will. It emphasizes absolute ownership and subservience.
- speed:The word translated 'speed' emphasizes swiftness and quickness, suggesting that the events described will unfold rapidly and without delay.
REV 1:3
- keeping:The word translated 'keeping' implies more than just observing; it carries the sense of guarding, watching over, or carefully preserving something.