Revelation 1:3

Authorized King James Version

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μακάριος
G3107
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀναγινώσκων
G314
is he that readeth
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀκούοντες
G191
they that hear
to hear (in various senses)
#7
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
λόγους
G3056
the words
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#9
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
προφητείας
G4394
of this prophecy
prediction (scriptural or other)
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
τηροῦντες
G5083
keep
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#13
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐν
G1722
therein
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
αὐτῇ
G846
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
#16
γεγραμμένα
G1125
those things which are written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#17
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#19
καιρὸς
G2540
the time
an occasion, i.e., set or proper time
#20
ἐγγύς
G1451
is at hand
near (literally or figuratively, 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 of this prophecy, and keep 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