Revelation 1:17

Authorized King James Version

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#3
εἶδον
G1492
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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
#5
ἔπεσα
G4098
I fell
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#6
πρὸς
G4314
at
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#7
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πόδας
G4228
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#9
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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
#10
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#11
νεκρός
G3498
dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἐπέθηκεν
G2007
he laid
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#14
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
δεξιὰν
G1188
right
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#16
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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
#17
χεῖρα
G5495
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#18
ἐπ'
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#19
ἐμὲ
G1691
me
me
#20
λέγων,
G3004
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
#21
μοι,
G3427
unto me
to me
#22
Μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#23
φοβοῦ·
G5399
Fear
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#24
ἐγώ
G1473
I
i, me
#25
εἰμι
G1510
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#26
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πρῶτος
G4413
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#28
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#29
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
ἔσχατος
G2078
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)

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 when i saw him, 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