King James Version

What Does Revelation 1:3 Mean?

Revelation 1:3 in the King James Version says “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written there...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 1:3 · 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.

4

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is , and which was , and which is to come ; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Read Revelation 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

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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 1:3 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 · 20 words
μακάριος1 of 20

“Blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

ὁ2 of 20
G3588

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

ἀναγινώσκων3 of 20

“is he that readeth”

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

καὶ4 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ5 of 20
G3588

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

ἀκούοντες6 of 20

“they that hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τοὺς7 of 20
G3588

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

λόγους8 of 20

“the words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς9 of 20
G3588

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

προφητείας10 of 20

“of this prophecy”

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

καὶ11 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

τηροῦντες12 of 20

“keep”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τὰ13 of 20
G3588

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

ἐν14 of 20

“therein”

G1722

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

αὐτῇ15 of 20
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

γεγραμμένα16 of 20

“those things which are written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὁ17 of 20
G3588

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

γὰρ18 of 20

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καιρὸς19 of 20

“the time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἐγγύς20 of 20

“is at hand”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:28Revelation 22:10Romans 13:111 Peter 4:7Revelation 22:6-7Proverbs 8:34

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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