Revelation 1:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
λεγούσης
Saying
G3004
λεγούσης
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 47
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ταῖς
which
G3588
ταῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 47
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Α
Alpha
G1
Α
Alpha
Strong's:
G1
Word #:
5 of 47
the first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
which
G3588
ταῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 47
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ω,
Omega
G5598
Ω,
Omega
Strong's:
G5598
Word #:
8 of 47
the last letter of the greek alphabet, i.e., (figuratively) the finality
ταῖς
which
G3588
ταῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 47
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
which
G3588
ταῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 47
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
What
G3739
ὁ
What
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 47
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γράψον
write
G1125
γράψον
write
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
17 of 47
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πέμψον
send
G3992
πέμψον
send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
21 of 47
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
ταῖς
which
G3588
ταῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 47
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
24 of 47
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ταῖς
which
G3588
ταῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 47
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀσίᾳ,
Asia
G773
Ἀσίᾳ,
Asia
Strong's:
G773
Word #:
27 of 47
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
28 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
31 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
33 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
34 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
36 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
37 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
39 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
40 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
42 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
43 of 47
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
45 of 47
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 1:4John 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;Revelation 3:1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.Habakkuk 2:2And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.Revelation 3:14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;Revelation 2:12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;Revelation 2:18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;Revelation 2:8And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;Revelation 3:7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;Isaiah 30:8Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:Jeremiah 30:2Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 1:11 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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, an... 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.