King James Version

What Does Revelation 1:5 Mean?

Revelation 1:5 in the King James Version says “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of t... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Revelation 1:5 · KJV


Context

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,

6

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,... 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 1:5 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 · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

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

ἀπὸ2 of 34

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἰησοῦ3 of 34

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ4 of 34

Christ

G5547

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

5 of 34
G3588

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

μάρτυς6 of 34

witness

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

7 of 34
G3588

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

πιστός8 of 34

who is the faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

9 of 34
G3588

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

πρωτότοκος10 of 34

and the first begotten

G4416

first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)

ἐκ11 of 34

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν12 of 34
G3588

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

νεκρῶν13 of 34

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ14 of 34

And

G2532

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

15 of 34
G3588

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

ἄρχων16 of 34

the prince

G758

a first (in rank or power)

τῶν17 of 34
G3588

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

βασιλέων18 of 34

of the kings

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς19 of 34
G3588

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

γῆς20 of 34

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Τῷ21 of 34
G3588

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

ἀγαπήσαντι22 of 34

Unto him that loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἡμᾶς23 of 34

us

G2248

us

καὶ24 of 34

And

G2532

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

λούσαντι25 of 34

washed

G3068

to bathe (the whole person; whereas g3538 means to wet a part only, and g4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively)

ἡμᾶς26 of 34

us

G2248

us

ἀπὸ27 of 34

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν28 of 34
G3588

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

ἁμαρτιῶν29 of 34

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἡμῶν30 of 34

our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐν31 of 34

in

G1722

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

τῷ32 of 34
G3588

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

αἵματι33 of 34

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

αὐτοῦ34 of 34
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


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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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