Revelation 1:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, I {G1473} am {G1510} Alpha {G1} and {G2532} Omega {G5598}, the first {G4413} and {G2532} the last {G2078}: and {G2532}, What {G3739} thou seest {G991}, write {G1125} in {G1519} a book {G975}, and {G2532} send {G3992} it unto the seven {G2033} churches {G1577} which {G3588} are in {G1722} Asia {G773}; unto {G1519} Ephesus {G2181}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} Smyrna {G4667}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} Pergamos {G4010}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} Thyatira {G2363}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} Sardis {G4554}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} Philadelphia {G5359}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} Laodicea {G2993}.

Complete Jewish Bible

saying, “Write down what you see on a scroll, and send it to the seven Messianic communities — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea!”

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

American Standard Version

saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:11 records a pivotal moment in John's Patmos vision where a powerful voice, identified as the eternal "Alpha and Omega, the first and the last," issues a direct command. John is instructed to meticulously record all that he is about to witness in a book and then dispatch this divine revelation to seven specific Christian congregations located in the Roman province of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. This verse establishes the divine authority of the book of Revelation and its primary audience, setting the stage for the detailed messages that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows John's description of being "in the Spirit on the Lord's day" and hearing a loud voice "as of a trumpet" behind him ([Revelation 1:10](/revelation/1-10 "Revelation 1:10 - John's Vision on Patmos")). Revelation 1:11 is the direct utterance of that voice, revealing its identity and giving John his foundational mandate for the entire prophetic book. It serves as the bridge from John's initial visionary experience to the specific content of the messages to the churches in [Revelation 2](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches") and [Revelation 3](/revelation/3 "Revelation 3 - Messages to the Churches"), which constitute the first major section of the Apocalypse. The command to "write in a book" is echoed and reinforced throughout the book, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the text, notably in [Revelation 1:19](/revelation/1-19 "Revelation 1:19 - Write What You Have Seen").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle John, believed to be exiled on the island of Patmos due to his Christian testimony during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95), receives this vision. Patmos was a rugged, isolated island, often used by the Roman Empire as a penal colony. The seven churches mentioned were real, existing Christian communities in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day western Turkey). These cities were significant commercial, political, and religious centers, each with unique socio-economic conditions and spiritual challenges. For instance, Ephesus was a major port city with a temple to Artemis, Smyrna was known for emperor worship, and Laodicea was a wealthy banking center. The instruction to send the book to these specific churches indicates that the messages were highly relevant to their contemporary situations, addressing issues such as persecution, doctrinal error, spiritual apathy, and compromise with pagan culture.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 1:11 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire book. Firstly, the declaration "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last" underscores the absolute **divine authority and eternality of Jesus Christ**. This title, also found in [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - The Lord God, Alpha and Omega") and [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), establishes Christ as the sovereign Lord over all creation and history, from its absolute beginning to its ultimate end. Secondly, the explicit command to "write in a book" highlights the theme of **divine revelation and its preservation**. God's message is not fleeting but is intended to be recorded, disseminated, and studied, emphasizing the authority and permanence of Scripture. Thirdly, the direct address to "the seven churches" establishes the **church as the primary recipient of God's prophetic word**. This signifies God's deep concern for His people, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement to His congregations amidst trials and spiritual struggles, as detailed in [Revelation 2](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches") and [Revelation 3](/revelation/3 "Revelation 3 - Messages to the Churches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alpha (Greek, _A'_):** From Hebrew origin, this is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Figuratively, it denotes the beginning, the first, or the origin. In the context of this verse, it signifies that the speaker is the absolute starting point of all things, possessing ultimate precedence and being the source from which all creation flows.
* **Omega (Greek, _Ō'_):** This is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Its use here, in conjunction with "Alpha," forms an idiomatic expression signifying totality, comprehensiveness, and the ultimate end. It asserts that the speaker is the consummation and conclusion of all things, holding dominion over the entirety of existence and history.
* **write (Greek, _gráphō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to grave," "to write," or "to describe." This command emphasizes the imperative nature of John's task: to permanently record the divine visions. The act of writing transforms the ephemeral vision into a tangible, authoritative document intended for distribution and preservation, underscoring the enduring significance and divine inspiration of the message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:"** This is a profound self-identification of the speaker, who is later revealed to be Jesus Christ (cf. [Revelation 1:17-18](/revelation/1-17-18 "Revelation 1:17-18 - Christ's Self-Description")). The titles "Alpha and Omega" and "the first and the last" are synonymous expressions of divine eternality, sovereignty, and comprehensive control over all of history and creation. They declare the speaker's absolute pre-existence, present authority, and ultimate post-existence, affirming His unique identity as God.
* **"and, What thou seest, write in a book,"** This is a direct, imperative command to John. It underscores that the visions John is about to receive are not for his private contemplation but are divine revelation intended for a wider audience. The instruction to "write in a book" emphasizes the permanence, authority, and systematic nature of the impending revelation, ensuring its accurate transmission to the intended recipients and future generations.
* **"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."** This specifies the immediate recipients of the prophetic book. The "seven churches" are historical congregations located in the Roman province of Asia, strategically chosen perhaps for their representative nature of the broader church, their specific spiritual conditions, or their geographical proximity forming a natural circuit for the delivery of the letter. The explicit naming of each church highlights God's personal knowledge of and direct communication with His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly in the titles "Alpha and Omega," which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. These letters symbolize the totality and eternality of the speaker, conveying His divine nature as the one who encompasses all things, from beginning to end. The phrase "the first and the last" serves as a **Parallelism** or **Synonymy**, reinforcing the meaning of "Alpha and Omega" and emphasizing the speaker's ultimate sovereignty over time and existence. The direct command "What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches" is an example of **Direct Address** or **Apostrophe**, creating a sense of urgency and divine mandate. The subsequent listing of the seven churches is a form of **Enumeration**, providing specific, tangible destinations for the divine message and grounding the prophetic vision in real-world communities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 1:11 serves as a theological cornerstone, establishing the divine identity of Jesus Christ and the authoritative nature of the prophetic message. The declaration "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last" is a profound claim to deity, echoing Old Testament descriptions of Yahweh (e.g., [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - The Lord, the First and the Last")). By applying these titles to Himself, Jesus asserts His co-equality with God the Father, His eternal pre-existence, and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation and history. This foundational truth assures believers that Christ is in complete control, orchestrating all events towards His redemptive purposes. Furthermore, the command to "write in a book" highlights the principle of divine revelation being preserved in written form, affirming the inspiration and authority of Scripture. The specific targeting of the "seven churches" underscores God's intimate knowledge of and active engagement with His people, providing specific guidance, commendation, and correction to His church throughout all ages.

* [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - The Lord God, Alpha and Omega")
* [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - The Lord, the First and the Last")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 1:11 offers profound truths that resonate deeply with believers today. Firstly, the majestic declaration of Christ as "Alpha and Omega, the first and the last" provides immense comfort and unwavering assurance. In a world characterized by uncertainty, chaos, and fleeting trends, knowing that Jesus Christ is the unchanging, eternal, and sovereign Lord who holds all things in His hands, from beginning to end, anchors our faith. His complete control over history, from creation to consummation, means that His promises are steadfast and His purposes will ultimately prevail. This truth invites us to surrender our anxieties and trust in His perfect plan. Secondly, the divine mandate for John to "write in a book" underscores the enduring importance and authority of God's written Word. It reminds us of our sacred responsibility to diligently engage with Scripture—to read it, study it, meditate upon it, and allow it to transform our lives. Finally, the specific messages to the seven churches, though historically situated, serve as timeless spiritual diagnostics for every congregation and individual believer. We are called to examine our own spiritual health, vigilance, and faithfulness in light of the commendations and rebukes given to these early churches, striving for purity, perseverance, and passionate devotion to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus Christ as "Alpha and Omega, the first and the last" deepen your trust in His sovereignty over your life and the world?**
* **In what ways are you actively participating in preserving, studying, and sharing the authoritative Word of God in your personal life and community?**
* **Considering the challenges faced by the seven churches, what specific lessons or warnings from Revelation 2-3 are most relevant to your own spiritual condition or that of your church today?**

### FAQ

**Why are there "seven" churches specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "seven" churches is significant on multiple levels. Historically, these were real, prominent Christian communities in the Roman province of Asia, forming a logical circuit for the delivery of a letter. Theologically, the number seven in biblical symbolism often represents completeness, perfection, or fullness. Therefore, while these were specific historical churches, they also serve as representative examples of the universal church throughout all ages, encompassing various spiritual conditions, challenges, and triumphs. The messages to them are not just for those specific congregations but are timeless lessons for all believers.

**What is the theological significance of the title "Alpha and Omega"?**

Answer: The title "Alpha and Omega" (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet) is a profound declaration of the speaker's divine nature and absolute sovereignty. It signifies that Jesus Christ is the eternal God, who is without beginning or end, encompassing all of existence. He is the source of all creation, the sustainer of all things, and the ultimate goal and consummation of all history. This title, used by God the Father in [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - The Lord God, Alpha and Omega") and by Jesus Himself in [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Beginning and the End"), underscores Christ's co-equality with God, His omnipotence, omnipresence, and eternality. It assures believers that He is the Lord of all time and circumstances, holding ultimate control over past, present, and future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:11 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the majestic identity of the resurrected and glorified Son of God. The declaration, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last," is a direct claim to divine eternality and sovereignty, echoing Old Testament affirmations of Yahweh and unequivocally identifying Jesus as God. This title points to Christ as the pre-existent Word through whom all things were created ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one who sustains all creation ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")), and the one who will bring all things to their ultimate consummation ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan in Christ")). The command to "write in a book" emphasizes that the entire revelation is a message from Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Revealer of God's truth ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Furthermore, the instruction to "send [it] unto the seven churches" highlights Christ's ongoing headship and intimate care for His body, the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The messages that follow in Revelation 2-3 are direct communications from the glorified Christ, demonstrating His active presence, discerning gaze, and sovereign authority over each local congregation, providing both commendation and correction as He perfects His bride for His return. Thus, Revelation 1:11 establishes the entire book as a Christ-originated, Christ-revealed, and Christ-directed message to His church, culminating in His ultimate triumph.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:2

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Colossians 4:15

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Colossians 4:16

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

Revelation 3:1

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 1:4

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Jeremiah 30:2

Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

Revelation 3:14

¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;