Revelation 1:3

KJV

¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G3107} is he that readeth {G314}, and {G2532} they that hear {G191} the words {G3056} of this prophecy {G4394}, and {G2532} keep {G5083} those things which are written {G1125} therein {G1722}{G846}: for {G1063} the time {G2540} is at hand {G1451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed are the reader and hearers of the words of this prophecy, provided they obey the things written in it! For the time is near!

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.

American Standard Version

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:3 pronounces a unique beatitude upon those who actively engage with its prophetic message. This blessing is extended not only to the one who publicly reads the words of this prophecy and those who hear them, but critically, to those who diligently obey and keep the truths contained within. The verse concludes with a powerful declaration of urgency, affirming that the opportune time for these events and their implications is imminently present, calling all believers to a posture of readiness and faithful living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 1:3 serves as a foundational declaration at the very outset of the Apocalypse, immediately following the introductory verses that identify the book's divine origin and its purpose as "the revelation of Jesus Christ" ([Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")). It establishes the intended interaction between the text and its audience, moving beyond mere intellectual comprehension to active obedience. This beatitude is the first of seven blessings found throughout the book, strategically placed to encourage engagement with what follows, distinguishing the book not merely as a cryptic prophecy but as a source of divine blessing for those who respond faithfully. It sets the tone for the entire book, emphasizing its practical and transformative intent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written by the Apostle John, likely during his exile on the island of Patmos (circa AD 95), Revelation was addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor ([Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - To the Seven Churches in Asia")). These churches were facing various challenges, including persecution from the Roman Empire, internal heresies, and spiritual apathy. In the Greco-Roman world, public reading of texts was common, especially in religious assemblies. The act of "reading" (likely by a designated reader) and "hearing" (by the congregation) reflects the standard mode of scripture dissemination and communal worship in the early church. The call to "keep" the words underscores the Jewish and early Christian emphasis on covenant obedience, where hearing God's word inherently demanded a response of faithfulness, particularly crucial for believers enduring trials and temptations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the book of Revelation and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **blessing through obedience**, echoing the Old Testament promises to those who heed God's commands (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). It highlights that divine revelation is not merely for information but for transformation, a concept reinforced by Jesus's own words regarding those who hear and obey His word ([Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed are those who hear and keep the word of God")). Another key theme is the **imminence of God's plan**, conveyed by the phrase "the time is at hand." This speaks not necessarily to immediate chronological fulfillment of all events, but to the urgent, opportune nature of the prophetic season, demanding present readiness and vigilance from believers, a theme also found in passages like [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - The Urgency of Salvation"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **prophecy's practical implications**, asserting that understanding God's future designs should directly impact present conduct and spiritual preparedness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This word signifies a state of profound spiritual well-being, happiness, or divine favor that is independent of outward circumstances. It describes a blessedness that originates from God and characterizes those who are in a right relationship with Him, often used in the Beatitudes to describe those who possess true spiritual prosperity (e.g., [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit")).
* **Prophecy (Greek, _prophēteía'_):** This term refers to a prediction, whether scriptural or otherwise. In this context, it denotes the divinely inspired message of Revelation itself, which unveils future events and divine truths. It emphasizes that the book is not merely a human composition but a revelation from God concerning His plans.
* **Keep (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This verb means to guard from loss or injury, to note (a prophecy), or figuratively, to fulfill a command. It implies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes active preservation, diligent observance, and obedient adherence to the principles and commands contained within the prophecy. It's about living out the implications of what is read and heard.
* **At hand (Greek, _engýs'_):** Derived from a root meaning "near," this word indicates proximity, whether literally or figuratively, in terms of place or time. In this context, it conveys urgency and imminence, suggesting that the "time" (kairós, opportune time) for the unfolding of these prophetic events, and the call to readiness they entail, is already present and pressing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [is] he that readeth,"**: This clause refers to the individual who publicly reads the words of the prophecy, likely in a communal worship setting. The blessing is pronounced upon this act, indicating the divine favor on the proclamation of God's word.
* **"and they that hear the words of this prophecy,"**: This extends the blessing to the congregation or audience who listens to the public reading. It underscores the importance of attentive listening to divine revelation, recognizing its sacred and life-giving nature.
* **"and keep those things which are written therein:"**: This is the crucial condition for the full experience of the blessing. It moves beyond passive reception to active obedience. To "keep" implies not just intellectual understanding or memorization, but a diligent adherence to the commands, warnings, and principles found within the prophecy, integrating them into one's life.
* **"for the time [is] at hand."**: This final clause provides the compelling reason and urgent motivation for the preceding call to read, hear, and keep. "The time" (kairós) refers to the divinely appointed, opportune season for the fulfillment of these prophecies and the resultant call to readiness. "At hand" emphasizes its nearness and immediate relevance, demanding a present and vigilant response from believers.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 1:3 employs several significant literary devices. **Beatitude** is the most prominent, as the verse opens with "Blessed is he," echoing the form of blessings found throughout Scripture, particularly the Beatitudes of Jesus (e.g., [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes")). This immediately elevates the significance of engaging with the book, promising divine favor rather than merely intellectual understanding. The verse also utilizes **tricolon**, presenting three distinct groups who receive the blessing: "he that readeth," "they that hear," and "they that keep." This rhetorical device emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the call to engagement, from proclamation to reception to obedience. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "for the time is at hand," functions as a **motive clause**, providing a compelling reason for the preceding commands and injecting a sense of **urgency** into the entire message. This sense of imminence serves to underscore the immediate relevance and practical implications of the prophecy for the lives of its readers and hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 1:3 establishes a profound theological principle: divine revelation is given not merely for intellectual curiosity or future prediction, but for present transformation and obedient living. The blessing is contingent upon active engagement and faithful adherence, underscoring that true blessedness flows from a life aligned with God's revealed will. This emphasis on hearing and keeping echoes the covenantal relationship God desires with His people, where knowledge of His word leads to a responsive walk of faith. The urgency conveyed by "the time is at hand" highlights the eschatological tension of the Christian life, where the future reality of Christ's kingdom impinges upon and shapes present conduct.

* [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be doers of the word, not hearers only.")
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "The secret things belong to the Lord, but the revealed things are for us to do.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 1:3 serves as a timeless invitation and a potent challenge for every believer. It calls us to approach God's Word, and especially the often-intimidating book of Revelation, not with trepidation or mere academic interest, but with an eager expectation of divine blessing. The verse reminds us that the true benefit of engaging with Scripture comes not from simply reading or hearing, but from actively integrating its truths into the fabric of our daily lives. In a world saturated with information, this verse cuts through the noise, urging us to be doers of the Word, allowing its prophetic insights to shape our character, inform our decisions, and ignite our passion for God's kingdom. The declaration that "the time is at hand" should instill a holy urgency within us, compelling us to live with intentionality, vigilance, and unwavering faithfulness, knowing that God's ultimate plan is unfolding and our response matters in the present moment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to treat God's Word as merely information rather than a call to action?**
* **How does the concept of "keeping" the words of prophecy challenge my current understanding of spiritual growth and obedience?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be more urgently aligned with God's revealed will, in light of "the time being at hand"?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater posture of active engagement and obedient response to the entirety of Scripture, not just Revelation?**

### FAQ
**What does "the time is at hand" mean in Revelation 1:3?**

Answer: The phrase "the time is at hand" (Greek: *ho kairos engys*) signifies a sense of imminent urgency and opportune readiness, rather than a precise chronological prediction of immediate fulfillment. The Greek word *kairos* refers to a specific, appointed, or critical season, a divinely determined moment, as opposed to *chronos*, which denotes linear, chronological time. *Engys* means "near" or "at hand." Therefore, it indicates that the season for the unfolding of God's prophetic plan, and the call to preparedness it demands, has already begun and is pressing. It serves as a powerful motivator for believers to live faithfully and vigilantly in the present, recognizing that the events described in Revelation are not distant historical or future curiosities, but have immediate implications for their lives and the life of the church. This concept resonates with other New Testament passages that speak of the nearness of the Lord's return and the need for readiness, such as [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - The Urgency of Salvation") and [1 Peter 4:7](/1_peter/4-7 "1 Peter 4:7 - The End of All Things is At Hand").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:3, while pronouncing a blessing on those who engage with prophecy, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The "prophecy" of this book is explicitly "the revelation of Jesus Christ" ([Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")), meaning that to read, hear, and keep its words is ultimately to encounter and obey Christ. Jesus is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word")), the one who perfectly read, heard, and kept the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). The blessedness promised in this verse is a participation in the blessedness of Christ, who perfectly embodies the obedient life. Furthermore, the urgency of "the time is at hand" points to Christ as the one who inaugurated the "last days" through His first coming ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")) and whose imminent return marks the consummation of all things ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Surely I am coming quickly")). Thus, to "keep those things which are written therein" is to live a life conformed to the image of Christ, eagerly awaiting His glorious appearing and participating in His ongoing redemptive work until He returns.

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

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Revelation 22:10

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Romans 13:11

¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Revelation 22:6

¶ And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Revelation 22:7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Proverbs 8:34

Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.