Revelation 1:8

Authorized King James Version

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγώ
G1473
I
i, me
#2
εἰμι
G1510
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#3
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Α
G1
Alpha
the first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Ω,
G5598
Omega
the last letter of the greek alphabet, i.e., (figuratively) the finality
#8
ἀρχὴ
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τέλος,
G5056
the ending
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
#11
λέγει
G3004
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#12
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
κύριος
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#14
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ὢν
G5607
being
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἦν
G2258
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἐρχόμενος
G2064
to come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#22
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
παντοκράτωρ
G3841
the Almighty
the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

Cross References

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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 which is to 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