Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

{G2532} I am he that liveth {G2198}, and {G2532} was {G1096} dead {G3498}; and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, I am {G1510} alive {G2198} for {G1519} evermore {G165}{G165}, Amen {G281}; and {G2532} have {G2192} the keys {G2807} of hell {G86} and {G2532} of death {G2288}.

the Living One. I was dead, but look! — I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Sh’ol.

the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.

and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

Commentary

Revelation 1:18 presents a powerful and foundational declaration from the glorified Jesus Christ to the Apostle John, who is receiving a profound vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. This verse serves as a cornerstone, revealing the speaker's true identity, His victory over death, and His ultimate, sovereign authority.

Context

These words are spoken by the majestic figure John describes in vivid detail earlier in the chapter (Revelation 1:13-16). The declaration of being "he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore" provides unmistakable proof that this awe-inspiring figure is none other than the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. It dispels any doubt about His divine nature and His triumph over the grave, setting the stage for the prophetic messages that follow in the Book of Revelation.

Key Themes

  • The Living and Resurrected Christ: The core message is Christ's identity as the one who truly lived, experienced death on the cross, and then conquered it through resurrection. The phrase "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore" is a direct affirmation of the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith. This victory over death is the basis of believers' hope for eternal life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:20, where Christ is called the "firstfruits of them that slept."
  • Ultimate Authority and Sovereignty: The declaration "and have the keys of hell and of death" signifies Jesus' supreme dominion and control. In ancient and biblical cultures, keys symbolized authority, ownership, and access. By possessing the keys to "hell" (the realm of the dead) and "death," Jesus asserts His absolute power over human mortality and the very domain where life ends. This means He has the power to open and close the gates of the grave, to grant life, and to determine destiny. This aligns with His post-resurrection claim of all power in heaven and on earth.
  • Eternal Life and Assurance: The concluding "Amen" emphasizes the certainty and truth of Christ's eternal life and authority. His being "alive for evermore" provides profound comfort and assurance to believers. It means that the Savior is not a historical figure confined to the past, but a living, reigning Lord who continues to intercede and guide. This truth underpins the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated as "hell" in the King James Version of this verse is from the Greek word Hades (ᾅδης). Unlike the concept of Gehenna, which refers to the place of eternal punishment, Hades in this context typically refers to the realm of the dead, the grave, or the underworld where departed spirits reside awaiting resurrection. Jesus' possession of the keys to Hades and death therefore means He has ultimate authority over the state of the dead and the power to release from the grip of mortality, signifying His complete triumph over these final enemies (see Acts 2:27).

Practical Application

Revelation 1:18 offers immense hope and courage to believers. In a world grappling with the fear of death, disease, and uncertainty, this declaration reminds us that our Lord has already conquered the most formidable foes. We can face life's challenges, and even our own mortality, with unwavering confidence, knowing that Jesus holds the keys to life and death. This verse calls us to place our complete trust in His supreme authority and to live in light of His eternal reign, anticipating the day when death itself will be swallowed up in victory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 6:9 (33 votes)

    Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

  • Hebrews 7:25 (22 votes)

    Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

  • Romans 14:8 (20 votes)

    For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

  • Romans 14:9 (20 votes)

    For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

  • Psalms 68:20 (19 votes)

    [He that is] our God [is] the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord [belong] the issues from death.

  • Revelation 3:7 (16 votes)

    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

  • Isaiah 22:22 (15 votes)

    And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.