King James Version

What Does Revelation 1:9 Mean?

Revelation 1:9 in the King James Version says “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:9 · KJV


Context

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.

8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is , and which was , and which is to come , the Almighty.

9

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Je... 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 1:9 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 · 37 words
Ἐγὼ1 of 37

I

G1473

i, me

Ἰωάννης2 of 37

John

G2491

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

τὴν3 of 37

who

G3588

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

καὶ4 of 37

also

G2532

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

ἀδελφὸς5 of 37

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὑμῶν6 of 37

am your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ7 of 37

also

G2532

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

συγκοινωνὸς8 of 37

companion

G4791

a co-participant

ἐν9 of 37

in

G1722

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

τὴν10 of 37

who

G3588

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

θλίψει11 of 37

tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

καὶ12 of 37

also

G2532

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

ἐν13 of 37

in

G1722

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

τὴν14 of 37

who

G3588

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

βασιλείᾳ15 of 37

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

καὶ16 of 37

also

G2532

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

ὑπομονῇ17 of 37

patience

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

Ἰησοῦ18 of 37

of Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ19 of 37

Christ

G5547

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

ἐγενόμην20 of 37

was

G1096

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

ἐν21 of 37

in

G1722

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

τὴν22 of 37

who

G3588

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

νήσῳ23 of 37

the isle

G3520

an island

τὴν24 of 37

who

G3588

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

καλουμένῃ25 of 37

that is called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Πάτμῳ26 of 37

Patmos

G3963

patmus, an islet in the mediterranean

διὰ27 of 37

for

G1223

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

τὴν28 of 37

who

G3588

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

λόγον29 of 37

the word

G3056

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

τὴν30 of 37

who

G3588

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

θεοῦ31 of 37

of God

G2316

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

καὶ32 of 37

also

G2532

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

διὰ33 of 37

for

G1223

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

τὴν34 of 37

who

G3588

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

μαρτυρίαν35 of 37

the testimony

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

Ἰησοῦ36 of 37

of Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ37 of 37

Christ

G5547

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


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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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