Keraia
Revelation 1

Revelation 1:5

John Greets the Seven Churches · Revelation 1:4–8
Read Revelation 1

Translations

Modern
…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,
Traditional
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,
Literal
…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins in His blood—
Latin
…et a Jesu Christo, qui est testis fidelis, primogenitus mortuorum, et princeps regum terræ, qui dilexit nos, et lavit nos a peccatis nostris in sanguine suo,

Original

Greek
English
…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

Notes

Revelation 1:5

  • Jesus serves as our example for sharing the good of salvation (Revelation 1:2).

  • The belief that Jesus was the first to rise from the dead is essential to Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17).

  • As the ruler of all the kings of the world (see also Revelation 17:14; 19:16), he is the ultimate Lord of everything. People in the Roman world were expected to declare Caesar as the absolute lord; many early Christians died for their belief that Jesus alone holds that position.

Revelation 1:5–6

  • In this doxology, John explains why we should praise Jesus.

  • A doxology is a short statement that gives praise to God or to Jesus. These statements often end with the word Amen (see Romans 11:36; Philippians 4:20), which expresses agreement and affirmation.

Revelation 1:4–8

The second introduction (see study note on Revelation 1:1–11) follows the style of a Greek letter.

Revelation 1:1–11

Revelation begins with a three-part introduction, including:

  1. a prologue (Revelation 1:1–3),

  2. a letter introduction (Revelation 1:4–8), and

  3. a historical introduction (Revelation 1:9–11).

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Book of Revelation Faithfulness Firstborn John, the Apostle Passion

Topics

Ablution: Figurative Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Birthright: An Honorable Title Blood of Christ Blood of Jesus Christ is God: As King of Kings and Lord of Lords Cleanliness: Figurative Firstborn: Birthright of The: Honorable Distinction of God: Fatherhood of God: Grace of Jesus, the Christ: Design of his Death Jesus, the Christ: Divinity of King of Kings and Lord of Lords Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Love of Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Faithful Witness, The Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: First Begotten of the Dead Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Prince of the Kings of the Earth Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Witness Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Future Glory and Power of Jesus, the Christ: Prophet: Faithful Jesus, the Christ: Resurrection of Kings: Christ is the Prince of Laver of Brass: Christ the Fountain for Sin Principle of God Sin: Forgiveness of The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Blood of Jesus the King Christ: Supreme The Love of Christ: Manifested in His: Washing Away Our Sins the Prophet Christ: Faithful to his Trust The Trinity: Doctrine of Proved from Scripture Titles and Names of Christ: Faithful Witness Titles and Names of Christ: First-Begotten of the Dead Titles and Names of Christ: Prince of the Kings of the Earth