Revelation 1:5

KJV

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} from {G575} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, who is the faithful {G4103} witness {G3144}, and the first begotten {G4416} of {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and {G2532} the prince {G758} of the kings {G935} of the earth {G1093}. Unto him that loved {G25} us {G2248}, and {G2532} washed {G3068} us {G2248} from {G575} our {G2257} sins {G266} in {G1722} his own {G846} blood {G129},

Complete Jewish Bible

and from Yeshua the Messiah, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the earth’s kings.

To him, the one who loves us, who has freed us from our sins at the cost of his blood,

Berean Standard Bible

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

American Standard Version

and from Jesus Christ, who isthe faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:5 presents a profound declaration of Jesus Christ's multifaceted identity and redemptive work, serving as a cornerstone for understanding His role in the unfolding apocalyptic visions. This verse succinctly encapsulates His divine authority as the ultimate revealer of God's truth, His triumph over death, and His supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers, culminating in a powerful affirmation of His sacrificial love and the cleansing power of His atoning blood for humanity's sins.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 1:5 is an integral part of the opening salutation of the Book of Revelation, following John's initial greeting and blessing to the seven churches in Asia Minor. After establishing the divine origin of the revelation from God the Father ("Him which is, and which was, and which is to come" in [Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - God's Eternal Nature")) and the "seven Spirits which are before his throne," the focus shifts decisively to Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement about Jesus' person and work, providing the necessary Christological lens through which the subsequent visions and prophecies of the book are to be interpreted. It immediately precedes the doxology in [Revelation 1:6](/revelation/1-6 "Revelation 1:6 - Doxology to Christ") and the powerful declaration of Christ's return in [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Glorious Return"), firmly grounding the entire apocalyptic narrative in the person and redemptive acts of the resurrected Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written by John, likely during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Christians were pressured to worship the emperor, a practice they refused, leading to severe consequences, including exile (as in John's case on Patmos). In this climate of fear, oppression, and martyrdom, the titles ascribed to Jesus in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ's Identity and Work") would have offered immense encouragement and assurance. Declaring Jesus as "Prince of the kings of the earth" directly challenged the perceived ultimate authority of the Roman Emperor, reminding believers that a higher, true King was in control. The emphasis on His sacrificial blood would have resonated deeply with a community facing potential bloodshed for their faith, affirming the power and efficacy of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Christ's Sovereignty**, presenting Him as the ultimate ruler over all earthly powers, a truth that provides hope amidst political turmoil and persecution. The title "first begotten of the dead" highlights the theme of **Resurrection and New Life**, establishing Jesus as the pioneer and guarantor of eternal life for believers, which is a central comfort in a book dealing with death and tribulation. Furthermore, the declaration of His love and cleansing blood emphasizes the theme of **Redemption and Atonement**, foundational to the Christian faith and echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood"). These themes collectively reinforce the absolute authority and redemptive power of Jesus Christ, assuring His followers of His ultimate victory and their secure standing in Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, meaning objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' absolute reliability and truthfulness as the one who perfectly reveals God's character and plan. He is the embodiment of truth, making His testimony unimpeachable.
* **first begotten (Greek, _prōtótokos'_):** From G4416, meaning first-born, usually as noun, literally or figuratively. This term signifies not merely being the first in time to rise from the dead, but also preeminence, supremacy, and unique status. Jesus holds the position of honor and authority as the pioneer of resurrection life, setting the pattern for all who follow Him.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** From G129, meaning blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred. Here, it specifically refers to the sacrificial, atoning blood of Christ shed on the cross, which provides purification and forgiveness for sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from Jesus Christ,"**: This phrase identifies the third, and arguably most prominent, source of the grace and peace mentioned in [Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - Source of Grace and Peace"). It establishes Jesus Christ as a co-equal and essential origin of divine blessing, setting the stage for the revelation that follows, which is primarily "the Revelation of Jesus Christ" ([Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")).
* **"[who is] the faithful witness,"**: This title presents Jesus as the ultimate revealer of God's truth. During His earthly ministry, He perfectly testified to the Father's will, character, and plan, even unto death. His testimony is trustworthy and true, providing a solid foundation for the prophecies and messages contained within Revelation. He is the embodiment of truth, the one who perfectly embodies and communicates God's reality.
* **"[and] the first begotten of the dead,"**: This declaration emphasizes Jesus' unique and preeminent status as the first to conquer death and rise to an immortal, glorified life. His resurrection is not merely an event but a foundational truth of Christian faith, guaranteeing the future resurrection of all believers. This title underscores His victory over sin and death, establishing Him as the source and pioneer of new life for humanity.
* **"and the prince of the kings of the earth."**: This title asserts Jesus' supreme sovereignty and ultimate authority over all earthly rulers, governments, and powers. Despite the apparent dominion of human empires and kings, Jesus is the true, reigning King who orchestrates history and will ultimately establish His eternal kingdom. This powerfully counters any notion of human ultimate authority and foreshadows His final triumph and reign, a recurring theme throughout Revelation.
* **"Unto him that loved us,"**: This phrase shifts from describing Christ's identity to His actions on humanity's behalf. The Greek word for "loved" (agapáō, G25) denotes a self-sacrificial, unconditional love. This love is the fundamental motivation behind His redemptive work, highlighting the profound personal and relational aspect of His interaction with believers.
* **"and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"**: This climactic statement points directly to the core of the Gospel. Jesus' love motivated His willingness to shed His blood on the cross, providing atonement and cleansing for humanity's sins. The image of "washing" signifies complete purification and forgiveness, underscoring the efficacy and completeness of Christ's sacrificial death in reconciling believers to God and making them spiritually clean.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 1:5 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological truths. **Appellation** is prominent, as Jesus is given three distinct and highly significant titles: "the faithful witness," "the first begotten of the dead," and "the prince of the kings of the earth." These titles are not merely descriptive but are **Theological Statements**, each packed with deep meaning about His nature, work, and authority. The phrase "washed us from our sins in his own blood" utilizes vivid **Imagery**, specifically a **Metaphor** of purification. The act of "washing" with "blood" is a powerful and paradoxical image that evokes both the defilement of sin and the cleansing, atoning power of Christ's sacrifice, drawing on Old Testament sacrificial concepts. The entire verse functions as a concise **Doxology** in anticipation of the explicit doxology in [Revelation 1:6](/revelation/1-6 "Revelation 1:6 - Doxology to Christ"), implicitly inviting worship and adoration for the one who possesses such authority and has performed such a profound act of love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 1:5 serves as a profound theological anchor, establishing the absolute supremacy and redemptive efficacy of Jesus Christ from the outset of the apocalyptic narrative. His triple identity as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth underscores His unparalleled authority in revelation, resurrection, and rule. The subsequent declaration of His love and the cleansing power of His blood forms the very bedrock of Christian salvation, emphasizing that His sovereignty is not merely a display of power but is rooted in self-sacrificial love that purifies humanity from sin. This foundational truth assures believers that the dramatic events to follow in Revelation are under the control of a loving, victorious, and fully capable Lord.

* [John 8:14](/john/8-14 "John 8:14 - Jesus' Testimony is True")
* [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Firstborn of Creation and Resurrection")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 1:5 offers immense spiritual comfort and a robust framework for living faithfully in a chaotic world. To know Jesus Christ as the "faithful witness" means we can place our absolute trust in His words, His promises, and the prophecies He reveals, especially in times of uncertainty or doubt. As the "first begotten of the dead," He guarantees our future resurrection and ultimate victory over death, transforming our fear of mortality into a confident hope. And as the "prince of the kings of the earth," we are reminded that no earthly power, government, or ruler holds ultimate authority; Jesus is sovereign over all history and will ultimately establish His eternal kingdom. Most profoundly, the truth that He "loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" reminds us of the deeply personal and redemptive relationship we have with Him, rooted in His unparalleled sacrifice. This should inspire profound gratitude, unwavering worship, and courageous confidence in His unfailing love and power, empowering us to live as His redeemed people in anticipation of His glorious return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "faithful witness" impact your trust in God's Word and His promises, especially concerning future events?**
* **In what ways does Christ's identity as the "first begotten of the dead" provide comfort and hope in the face of death or loss?**
* **How does knowing Jesus is the "prince of the kings of the earth" influence your perspective on current political and global events?**
* **What does it mean to you personally that Jesus "loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," and how should this truth shape your daily life and worship?**

### FAQ

**What does "faithful witness" mean in the context of Jesus Christ?**

Answer: As the "faithful witness," Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate and perfect revealer of God's truth and character. Throughout His earthly ministry, He consistently bore witness to the Father's will, His own divine identity, and the kingdom of God, even to the point of death on the cross. His testimony is entirely trustworthy and true, making Him the ultimate source of divine revelation, as He declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

**Why is Jesus called "the first begotten of the dead"?**

Answer: This title signifies Jesus' unique and preeminent status as the first to rise from the dead to an immortal, glorified life, never to die again. It emphasizes His victory over sin and death, making Him the pioneer and guarantor of resurrection for all who believe in Him. While others were raised from the dead before Him (e.g., Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised from the Dead")), they eventually died again. Jesus' resurrection was a unique, permanent triumph, establishing Him as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")).

**How does Jesus being the "prince of the kings of the earth" relate to current world leaders?**

Answer: This title declares Jesus' supreme sovereignty and ultimate authority over all earthly rulers, governments, and powers. It means that despite any perceived power or dominion held by human kings, presidents, or dictators, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate King who orchestrates history and will ultimately establish His eternal kingdom. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them that even amidst political turmoil or oppression, a higher power is in control, as affirmed in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdoms of Men").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:5 powerfully encapsulates the Christ-centered nature of all salvation history, pointing directly to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As the "faithful witness," Jesus perfectly embodies and reveals the Father, fulfilling the prophetic role of God's ultimate messenger, a truth echoed in [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son"). His status as "the first begotten of the dead" signifies His triumph over the power of sin and death, a victory foreshadowed in Old Testament prophecies of a conquering Messiah and explicitly declared in passages like [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Resurrection"). This resurrection is the bedrock of the New Covenant, offering new life to all who believe. Furthermore, His title as "the prince of the kings of the earth" confirms His universal dominion, fulfilling the Davidic covenant and prophecies of a King whose reign would be everlasting ([Psalm 2:6-8](/psalm/2-6-8 "Psalm 2:6-8 - God's Anointed King")). Finally, the declaration that He "loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" is the very heart of the Gospel, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Old Testament by providing the perfect, once-for-all atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Revelation 1:5 presents Jesus as the climactic fulfillment of God's promises, the sovereign Lord, and the loving Redeemer, upon whom all hope for humanity rests.

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

Psalms 89:27

Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Acts 26:23

That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.