Revelation 1:19

KJV

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

KJV (with Strong's)

Write {G1125} the things which {G3739} thou hast seen {G1492}, and {G2532} the things which {G3739} are {G1526}, and {G2532} the things which {G3739} shall {G3195} be {G1096} hereafter {G3326}{G5023};

Complete Jewish Bible

So write down what you see, both what is now, and what will happen afterwards.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore write down the things you have seen, and the things that are, and the things that will happen after this.

American Standard Version

Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:19 serves as the divine blueprint for the entire Book of Revelation, a direct command from the glorified Christ to John, instructing him to record three distinct categories of prophetic truth: the things John has already witnessed, the present realities of the churches, and the future events that are yet to unfold. This verse provides the essential interpretive key, revealing the structural organization and chronological progression of the apocalyptic visions and messages contained within the book.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 1:19 follows immediately after John's profound and awe-inspiring vision of the resurrected and glorified Jesus Christ in [Revelation 1:12-18](/revelation/1-12-18 "Revelation 1:12-18 - John's Vision of the Glorified Christ"). Having been overwhelmed by this divine encounter, John is now given a specific, authoritative mandate directly from the Lord. This verse acts as a pivotal transition, moving from the initial revelatory experience to the systematic recording of the prophecy. It sets the stage for the subsequent messages to the seven churches in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches") and the unfolding of future events from [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of God") onwards, establishing a clear divine framework for the entire book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written during a period of intense Roman persecution under Emperor Domitian, likely around A.D. 95. John, exiled to the island of Patmos for his faith (as mentioned in [Revelation 1:9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John on Patmos")), was receiving these visions in a context where Christians faced immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship. The seven churches in Asia Minor, to whom the messages are addressed, were real congregations grappling with various spiritual and practical challenges, including persecution, false teaching, and spiritual apathy. Apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic language, visions, and a focus on divine intervention in history, was a recognized genre in both Jewish and early Christian circles, offering hope and understanding to those suffering under oppressive regimes.

* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several critical themes foundational to the Book of Revelation. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Authority and Mandate** behind the prophecy; John is not writing his own ideas but faithfully recording Christ's revelation. Secondly, it provides the **Structural Outline** for the entire book, dividing its vast content into three chronological and thematic sections, thereby serving as an indispensable hermeneutical key for readers. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Comprehensive Scope of Prophecy**, encompassing past divine encounters, present church realities, and future eschatological events, all under God's sovereign control. This tripartite division ensures that the book is understood not as a chaotic collection of visions, but as an organized, purposeful message from God to His people across time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Write (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave," especially "to write," and figuratively, "to describe." In this context, it is an imperative command, underscoring the divine authority behind John's task. John is not merely observing but is commanded to meticulously record what he sees and hears, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of the revelation. This highlights the importance of the written word as a vehicle for divine truth.
* **Seen (Greek, _eídō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know" (especially in the perfect tense). Here, it refers to John's direct, personal experience of witnessing the glorified Christ in the preceding verses. This emphasizes the experiential and eyewitness nature of the initial part of the revelation, grounding the subsequent prophecy in a tangible encounter with the divine.
* **Shall be (Greek, _méllō gínomai'_):** This phrase combines two Greek words: _méllō_ (G3195), meaning "to intend, be about to be, do, or suffer something" (implying purpose, duty, necessity, or probability), and _gínomai_ (G1096), meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." Together, they convey a strong sense of future certainty and divine orchestration. The events "shall be" because they are divinely purposed and are certain to come to pass, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the latter part of Revelation.
* **Hereafter (Greek, _metá taûta'_):** This phrase combines the preposition _metá_ (G3326), meaning "after" or "subsequent to," and the demonstrative pronoun _taûta_ (G5023), meaning "these things." It clearly indicates a chronological sequence, signifying that the events described in this section will occur subsequent to the "things which are" (the church age). This temporal marker is crucial for understanding the prophetic timeline presented in Revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Write the things which thou hast seen":** This clause refers to John's immediate past experience – the magnificent vision of the glorified Christ described in [Revelation 1:12-18](/revelation/1-12-18 "Revelation 1:12-18 - John's Vision of the Glorified Christ"). It establishes the foundation of the revelation in a direct, personal encounter with the risen Lord, emphasizing Christ's authority and majesty as the source of the entire prophecy.
* **"and the things which are":** This refers to the present realities of the seven churches in Asia Minor, detailed in [Revelation Chapters 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Messages to the Seven Churches"). These messages address the contemporary spiritual condition, challenges, and triumphs of the churches, serving not only as historical accounts but also as timeless principles and warnings applicable to the church throughout all ages.
* **"and the things which shall be hereafter":** This clause points to the future, prophetic events that will unfold after the "things which are" (the church age). This vast section, spanning from [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of God") to the end of the book, describes the tribulation, divine judgments, the second coming of Christ, the millennium, and the eternal state of the new heavens and new earth. It highlights the eschatological focus of the majority of Revelation's content.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 1:19 primarily employs **Imperative Command**, as Christ directly orders John to "Write," underscoring the divine authority and necessity of recording this revelation. The verse also functions as a **Structural Outline** or **Framework**, providing a clear, tripartite division for the entire book, which is crucial for its interpretation. This tripartite division itself demonstrates **Prophetic Chronology**, establishing a temporal progression from past vision, to present church realities, and then to future eschatological events. While not directly a **Symbolism**, the verse sets the stage for the pervasive use of symbolic language throughout the rest of the book, where complex truths are conveyed through vivid imagery and allegorical representations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 1:19 is a lynchpin verse, asserting the divine origin and structured nature of the entire Book of Revelation. It profoundly impacts our understanding of God's sovereign control over history—past, present, and future. The command to "write" emphasizes the importance of God's revealed word, ensuring that His message is preserved and accessible to all generations. The tripartite division underscores that God's plan is not chaotic but unfolds with intentionality and purpose, encompassing the immediate spiritual state of His people and the grand sweep of eschatological events leading to Christ's ultimate victory. This verse reaffirms God's faithfulness in revealing His plans to His servants, offering both warning and hope.

* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Future Events"): "But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;"
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals Secrets to His Servants"): "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
* [2 Peter 1:19-21](/2_peter/1-19-21 "2 Peter 1:19-21 - Prophecy from God"): "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 1:19 provides immense clarity and comfort for the modern reader approaching the often-daunting Book of Revelation. It assures us that this complex book is not a random collection of visions, but a divinely organized message with a clear structure and purpose. Understanding this three-part outline helps us to properly interpret the book, distinguishing between the initial vision of Christ's glory, the timeless messages to the churches that speak to our present spiritual condition, and the future prophetic events that remind us of God's ultimate triumph and Christ's return. This verse calls us to engage with God's revealed word diligently, to heed the warnings and promises given to the churches, and to live with an expectant hope for the future, knowing that God is sovereign over all history and will bring His plans to glorious fruition. It encourages us to find our place within God's unfolding story, living faithfully in the "things which are" while anticipating the "things which shall be hereafter."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the tripartite structure of Revelation, as outlined in this verse, change your approach to reading and interpreting the book?**
* **In what ways do the "things which are" (the messages to the churches) speak to the present condition of the church today, and to your own spiritual life?**
* **How does the certainty of "the things which shall be hereafter" impact your hope, your priorities, and your readiness for Christ's return?**

### FAQ

**Why is Revelation 1:19 considered the key to understanding the Book of Revelation?**

Answer: Revelation 1:19 is considered the key to understanding the Book of Revelation because it provides a divinely inspired structural outline for the entire prophecy. The verse explicitly divides the book's content into three chronological and thematic sections: "the things which thou hast seen" (John's initial vision of the glorified Christ in [Revelation 1:12-18](/revelation/1-12-18 "Revelation 1:12-18 - John's Vision of the Glorified Christ")), "the things which are" (the messages to the seven churches in [Revelation Chapters 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Messages to the Seven Churches"), representing the church age), and "the things which shall be hereafter" (the future prophetic events from [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of God") to the end of the book). This clear framework helps readers navigate the complex visions and prophecies, providing a logical progression and interpretive guide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:19, though a structural command, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The "things which thou hast seen" directly refer to John's vision of the glorified Christ (as detailed in [Revelation 1:12-18](/revelation/1-12-18 "Revelation 1:12-18 - John's Vision of the Glorified Christ")), establishing Jesus as the divine revealer and the authoritative source of all prophecy. The "things which are" are Christ's direct messages to His churches ([Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Messages to the Seven Churches")), demonstrating His ongoing headship, intimate knowledge, and sovereign oversight of His body, the Church, throughout history. Most significantly, "the things which shall be hereafter" find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumphant return, His righteous judgments, and His eternal reign. The entire prophetic narrative from [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of God") onwards culminates in the establishment of His kingdom, the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), and the new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Revelation 1:19 outlines a revelation that begins with Christ's glory, addresses His present Church, and climaxes with His ultimate victory and eternal dominion, affirming that all history moves towards its glorious consummation in Him, the Alpha and the Omega ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

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

Revelation 4:1

¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 1:11

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.

Revelation 2:3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.