And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
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.
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Commentary for Revelation 22:13
Revelation 22:13 is part of the final chapter of the last book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to the apostle John. This verse is set within the broader context of the apocalyptic vision of John, which is rich in symbolic imagery and eschatological themes. The book of Revelation is believed to have been written during a period of persecution of early Christians, possibly under the reign of Emperor Domitian around 95-96 AD. It was intended to encourage and reassure the faithful in the face of trials and to provide a prophetic vision of the ultimate victory of good over evil.
The verse itself is a declaration by Jesus Christ, who is speaking to John. In this statement, Jesus identifies Himself as "Alpha and Omega," which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This symbolic language conveys the idea of completeness or totality, emphasizing that Jesus encompasses all of time and existence—He is the beginning and the end of all things. By asserting that He is "the first and the last," Jesus is claiming sovereignty over history and eternity, affirming His divine authority and eternal nature.
This verse reflects the Christian doctrine of the pre-existence and eternity of Christ, which is also found in the Gospel of John (John 1:1-3) and in other parts of the New Testament. It serves to reassure believers of Jesus' ultimate power and presence, offering comfort and hope in the face of adversity. The declaration also reinforces the monotheistic nature of Christianity, with Jesus being an integral part of the Godhead, sharing in the divine attributes of God the Father.
In summary, Revelation 22:13 is a powerful assertion of Jesus Christ's divine identity and eternal dominion, encapsulating the Christian belief in His preeminence and eternal existence. It is a verse that speaks to the assurance of divine sovereignty and the eschatological hope that is central to Christian faith, particularly in the context of the challenges faced by the early church.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: G1473 There are 334 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐγώ Transliteration: egṓ Pronunciation: eg-o' Description: a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic):--I, me. For the other cases and the plural see ἐμέ, ἐμοί, ἐμοῦ, ἡμᾶς, ἡμεῖς, ἡμῖν, ἡμῶν, etc.
Strong's Number: G1510 There are 137 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: εἰμί Transliteration: eimí Pronunciation: i-mee' Description: the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist (used only when emphatic):--am, have been, X it is I, was. See also εἶ, εἴην, εἶναι, εἰσί, ἦν, ἔσομαι, ἐσμέν, ἐστέ, ἐστί, κέρδος, ἴσθι, ὦ.
Strong's Number: G1 There are 7597 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: Α Transliteration: A Pronunciation: al'-fah Description: of Hebrew origin; the first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first: --Alpha. Often used (usually , before a vowel) also in composition (as a contraction from ἄνευ) in the sense of privation; so, in many words, beginning with this letter; occasionally in the sense of union (as a contraction of ἅμα).
Strong's Number: G2532 There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: καί Transliteration: kaí Pronunciation: kahee Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G5598 There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: Ω Transliteration: Ō Pronunciation: o'-meg-ah Description:
Strong's Number: G746 There are 56 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἀρχή Transliteration: archḗ Pronunciation: ar-khay' Description: from ἄρχομαι; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank):--beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
Strong's Number: G5056 There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: τέλος Transliteration: télos Pronunciation: tel'-os Description: from a primary (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid):--+ continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare φόρος.
Strong's Number: G4413 There are 98 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: πρῶτος Transliteration: prōtos Pronunciation: pro'-tos Description: contracted superlative of πρό; foremost (in time, place, order or importance):--before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former.
Strong's Number: G2078 There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἔσχατος Transliteration: éschatos Pronunciation: es'-khat-os Description: a superlative probably from ἔχω (in the sense of contiguity); farthest, final (of place or time):--ends of, last, latter end, lowest, uttermost.