I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
I {G1473} am {G1510} Alpha {G1} and {G2532} Omega {G5598}, the beginning {G746} and {G2532} the end {G5056}, the first {G4413} and {G2532} the last {G2078}.
I am the ‘A’ and the ‘Z,’ the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
-
Revelation 21:6
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. -
Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. -
Isaiah 44:6
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God. -
Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I [am] he; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last. -
Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done [it], calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I [am] he. -
Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: -
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.
Commentary on Revelation 22:13 (KJV)
Revelation 22:13 is a powerful declaration of the divine identity of Jesus Christ, affirming His eternal nature and absolute sovereignty over all creation and time. This verse encapsulates profound theological truths about who Jesus is and His ultimate authority.
Context
This verse appears near the very end of the Book of Revelation, serving as a climactic and emphatic statement from Jesus Himself. It follows promises of His imminent return and the blessings awaiting those who obey His commands (Revelation 22:12, 14). This declaration solidifies His authority as the one who brings all things to their appointed end and offers eternal life. It is the third instance in Revelation where this specific cluster of titles is used, strongly identifying Jesus with God.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Alpha and Omega" (Greek: Alpha kai Omega) refers to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This symbolic language powerfully conveys completeness, totality, and eternal existence. It is a profound statement of divine immutability and supremacy, echoing similar declarations of God in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 41:4; 44:6).
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
For believers, this declaration provides immense comfort and assurance. It affirms that Jesus is in control of all circumstances, from the grand sweep of history to the intimate details of individual lives. We can trust in His divine power and faithfulness, knowing that He who began a good work in us will also complete it (Philippians 1:6). This verse calls us to worship Him as the eternal, sovereign Lord who holds the past, present, and future in His hands, offering ultimate hope and security in a world of constant change. It encourages perseverance, reminding us that the one who initiates salvation is also the one who will bring it to its glorious conclusion.