Revelation 1:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λεγούσης
Saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
Ἐγώ
I
i, me
#3
ἐιμι
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#4
ταῖς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Α
G1
Alpha
the first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ταῖς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Ω,
Omega
the last letter of the greek alphabet, i.e., (figuratively) the finality
#9
ταῖς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πρῶτος
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ταῖς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἔσχατος·
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
What
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#16
βλέπεις
thou seest
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#17
γράψον
write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#18
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#19
βιβλίον
a book
a roll
#20
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
πέμψον
send
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
#22
ταῖς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἑπτὰ
it unto the seven
seven
#24
ἐκκλησίαις
churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#25
ταῖς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ἐν
are in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#27
Ἀσίᾳ,
Asia
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
#28
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#29
Ἔφεσον
Ephesus
ephesus, a city of asia minor
#30
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#31
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#32
Σμύρναν
Smyrna
smyrna, a place in asia minor
#33
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#34
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#35
Πέργαμον
Pergamos
fortified; pergamus, a place in asia minor
#36
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#37
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#38
Θυάτειρα
Thyatira
thyatira, a place in asia minor
#39
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#40
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#41
Σάρδεις
Sardis
sardis, a place in asia minor
#42
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#43
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#44
Φιλαδέλφειαν
Philadelphia
philadelphia, a place in asia minor
#45
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#46
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#47
Λαοδίκειαν
Laodicea
laodicia, a place in asia minor

Analysis

This verse is part of John's apocalyptic vision of the glorified Christ. The symbolism connects to Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly from Daniel and Ezekiel, while revealing Christ's divine nature and authority. The imagery of asia; unto ephesus, and unto contributes to the overall majestic portrayal.

Historical Context

Written during a time of imperial persecution under Domitian, this vision would have encouraged believers to remain faithful despite opposition. The apocalyptic imagery draws on Jewish prophetic traditions while speaking to the specific challenges faced by first-century Christians in Asia Minor.

Questions for Reflection