King James Version

What Does Revelation 1:1 Mean?

Revelation 1:1 in the King James Version says “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pas... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Revelation 1:1 · KJV


Context

1

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:

2

Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:... This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 1:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Ἀποκάλυψις1 of 28

The Revelation

G602

disclosure

Ἰησοῦ2 of 28

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ3 of 28

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

4 of 28

things which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔδωκεν5 of 28

gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ6 of 28

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

7 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός8 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δεῖξαι9 of 28

to shew

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς10 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλῳ11 of 28

servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτοῦ12 of 28

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

13 of 28

things which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δεῖ14 of 28

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

γενέσθαι15 of 28

come to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν16 of 28

shortly

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τάχει17 of 28
G5034

a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste

καὶ18 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐσήμανεν19 of 28

and signified

G4591

to indicate

ἀποστείλας20 of 28

he sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

διὰ21 of 28

it by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ22 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγγέλου23 of 28

angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτοῦ24 of 28

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τῷ25 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλῳ26 of 28

servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτοῦ27 of 28

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἰωάννῃ28 of 28

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 1:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 1:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study