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Revelation 1:10-18

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,

and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Revelation 1:10-18 sits inside this longer paragraph.

I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,

and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet

    saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

    I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands.

    And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.

    His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.

    His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters.

    He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

    When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,

    and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    I was in the sprete on a sondaye and herde behynde me a gret voyce as it had bene of a trompe

    sayinge: I am Alpha and Omega the fyrst and the laste. That thou seist write in a boke and sende it vnto the congregacions which are in Asia vnto Ephesus and vnto Smyrna and vnto Pargamos and vnto Thiatira and vnto Sardis and vnto Philadelphia and vnto Laodicia.

    And I turned backe to se the voyce that spake to me. And when I was turned: I sawe.vii golde candelstyckes

    and in the myddes of the candelstyckes one lyke vnto the sone of man clothed with a lynnen garmet doune to the ground and gyrd aboute the pappes with a golden gyrdle

    His heed and his heares were whyte as whyte woll and as snowe: and his eyes were as a flame of fyre:

    and his fete lyke vnto brasse as though they brent in a fornace: and his voyce as the sounde of many waters.

    And he had in his right honde vii. starres. And out of his mouth wet a sharpe twoo edged swearde. And his face shone even as the sonne in his strength.

    And when I sawe him I fell at his fete even as deed. And he layde hys ryght honde apon me sayinge vnto me: feare not. I am the fyrst and the laste

    and am alyve and was deed. And beholde I am alyve for ever more and have the kayes of hell and of deeth.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    And I was rauished in spirit on the Lordes day, and heard behinde me a great voyce, as it had bene of a trumpet,

    Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, that first and that last: and that which thou seest, write in a booke, and send it vnto the seuen Churches which are in Asia, vnto Ephesus, and vnto Smyrna, and vnto Pergamus, and vnto Thyatira, and vnto Sardis, and vnto Philadelphia, and vnto Laodicea.

    Then I turned backe to see the voyce, that spake with me: and when I was turned, I sawe seuen golden candlestickes,

    And in the middes of the seuen candlestickes, one like vnto the Sonne of man, clothed with a garment downe to the feete, and girded about the pappes with a golden girdle.

    His head, and heares were white as white wooll, and as snowe, and his eyes were as a flame of fire,

    And his feete like vnto fine brasse, burning as in a fornace: and his voyce as the sounde of many waters.

    And he had in his right hand seuen starres: and out of his mouth went a sharpe two edged sword: and his face shone as the sunne shineth in his strength.

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feete as dead: then he laid his right hand vpon me, saying vnto me, Feare not: I am that first and that last,

    And am aliue, but I was dead: and beholde, I am aliue for euermore, Amen: and I haue the keyes of hell and of death.

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Examined in Scripture Analysis

Contradictions (1)

Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.

  • Who is the first and the last?

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Cross-references (136)

  • Romans 6:9 (v18) knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over him!
  • Hebrews 7:25 (v18) Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make…
  • Romans 14:8-9 (v18) For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end…
  • Psalms 68:20 (v18) God is to us a God of deliverance. To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death.
  • Daniel 10:6 (vv14–15) His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches. His arms and his feet were…
Show all 100 cross-references
  • Isaiah 44:6 (v17) This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there…
  • Hebrews 4:12 (v16) For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both…
  • Revelation 3:7 (vv11, 18) “To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: “He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one…
  • Isaiah 22:22 (v18) I will lay the key of David’s house on his shoulder. He will open, and no one will shut. He will shut, and no one will open.
  • Ezekiel 43:2 (v15) Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth was…
  • Zechariah 4:2 (v12) He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lamp stand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven…
  • Daniel 10:8-10 (v17) So I was left alone, and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; for my face grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength. Yet…
  • Revelation 22:13 (v17) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
  • Daniel 7:9 (vv13–14) “I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like…
  • Revelation 2:12 (vv11, 16) “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
  • Exodus 25:37 (v12) You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it.
  • Revelation 2:16 (v16) Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
  • Revelation 19:15 (v16) Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He…
  • Revelation 2:18 (vv11, 14, 15) “To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: “The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished…
  • Matthew 16:19 (v18) I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you…
  • Hebrews 12:2 (v18) looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and…
  • Revelation 14:2 (v15) I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of…
  • Revelation 19:12 (v14) His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself.
  • Isaiah 49:2 (v16) He has made my mouth like a sharp sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. He has made me a polished shaft. He has kept me close…
  • Daniel 7:13 (v13) “I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of…
  • Daniel 8:17-18 (v17) So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was frightened, and fell on my face; but he said to me, “Understand, son of man; for the…
  • Ephesians 6:17 (v16) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
  • Hebrews 7:16 (v18) who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life;
  • Revelation 20:1-2 (v18) I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. He seized the dragon, the old serpent,…
  • Galatians 2:20 (v18) I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live…
  • Hebrews 1:3 (v18) His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had…
  • Revelation 21:10 (v10) He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
  • Job 19:25 (v18) But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth.
  • Isaiah 41:4 (v17) Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am he.”
  • Isaiah 48:12 (v17) “Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he. I am the first. I am also the last.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (v18) For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. He died for all, that those who…
  • Revelation 19:6 (v15) I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying,…
  • Revelation 19:21 (v16) The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with…
  • Revelation 1:20–2:1 (vv12, 16) The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels of…
  • Matthew 28:3 (v14) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:4 (v18) For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him…
  • Revelation 4:9 (v18) When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,
  • Revelation 20:14 (v18) Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
  • Revelation 2:8 (vv11, 17) “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
  • Daniel 10:5-6 (v13) I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, there was a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz. His body…
  • Daniel 10:16 (v13) Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My…
  • John 14:19 (v18) Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.
  • Exodus 28:6-8 (v13) “They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. It shall have two…
  • Psalms 18:46 (v18) Yahweh lives! Blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation,
  • Ezekiel 1:28 (v17) As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the…
  • Daniel 10:17-19 (v17) For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me. There was no…
  • 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (v10) I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows), such a…
  • Colossians 3:3 (v18) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
  • Revelation 4:1-2 (v10) After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one…
  • Revelation 9:1 (v18) The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him.
  • Revelation 15:6 (v13) The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts.
  • Psalms 93:4 (v15) Above the voices of many waters, the mighty breakers of the sea, Yahweh on high is mighty.
  • Matthew 17:2 (v16) He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
  • Revelation 17:3 (v10) He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, having…
  • Revelation 1:8 (vv11, 17) “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
  • Revelation 3:1 (vv11, 16) “And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: “He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things: “I know…
  • Leviticus 8:7 (v13) He put the tunic on him, tied the sash on him, clothed him with the robe, put the ephod on him, and he tied the skillfully woven band of…
  • Isaiah 41:10 (v17) Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will…
  • Jeremiah 30:2 (v11) “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘Write all the words that I have spoken to you in a book.
  • Ezekiel 1:7 (v15) Their feet were straight feet. The sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished bronze.
  • Habakkuk 2:2 (v11) Yahweh answered me, “Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who runs may read it.
  • Colossians 4:15-16 (v11) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. When this letter has been read among you, cause…
  • Revelation 14:14 (v13) I looked, and saw a white cloud, and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp…
  • Isaiah 11:5 (v13) Righteousness will be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his waist.
  • Isaiah 30:8 (v11) Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever.
  • Isaiah 60:19-20 (v16) The sun will be no more your light by day; nor will the brightness of the moon give light to you, but Yahweh will be your everlasting…
  • Ezekiel 1:26-28 (v13) Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the…
  • Acts 20:7 (v10) On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the…
  • Ephesians 1:1 (v11) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:
  • Revelation 1:4 (v11) John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven…
  • Revelation 1:13 (v12) And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.
  • Revelation 3:14 (v11) “To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation, says these…
  • Revelation 10:3-8 (v10) He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. When the seven thunders sounded, I was…
  • Deuteronomy 31:19 (v11) “Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a…
  • Ezekiel 40:3 (v15) He brought me there; and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax in his hand, and…
  • Malachi 4:2 (v16) But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the…
  • Matthew 17:2-7 (v17) He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared…
  • Mark 16:5-6 (v17) Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed. He said to them,…
  • Acts 10:10-33 (v10) He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and a certain container…
  • Acts 26:13 (v16) at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:2 (v10) On the first day of every week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.
  • 1 Timothy 1:3 (v11) As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine,
  • Hebrews 4:15 (v13) For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like…
  • Exodus 39:5 (v13) The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work: of gold, of blue, purple,…
  • Job 38:7 (v16) when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
  • Ezekiel 43:5-6 (v12) The Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, Yahweh’s glory filled the house. I heard one speaking to me out of…
  • Daniel 10:15 (v17) When he had spoken these words to me, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute.
  • Daniel 12:3 (v16) Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and…
  • Matthew 22:43 (v10) He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,
  • Luke 24:37-39 (v17) But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do…
  • John 20:19 (v10) When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled,…
  • Acts 18:19-21 (v11) He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to…
  • Acts 18:24 (v11) Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
  • Acts 19:1-41 (v11) While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper country, came to Ephesus and found certain disciples. He said to them,…
  • Acts 20:17 (v11) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly.

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (136 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (24 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv10, 12, 17 This is that holy ravishment expressed, wherewith the prophets…

This is that holy ravishment expressed, wherewith the prophets were ravished, and being as it were carried out of the world were conversant with God, and so Ezekiel saith often that he was carried from place to place of the Lord’s Spirit and that the Spirit of the Lord fell upon him.

He calleth it the Lord’s day, which Paul calleth the first day of the week, 1 Cor. 16:2.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv10–18 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv10–18 I was in the Spirit; not only in spiritual…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv12, 17 As if St. John had said, "I turned to…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv10–18 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day,....…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 I was in the Spirit - That is, in…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv10–18 Verse 10. I was in the Spirit] That is,…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv10, 12, 17 Rev 1:10-11. I was in the Spirit — That…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv10–18 I was in the Spirit - This cannot refer…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 On the Lord’s day.[3] Not on the Jewish sabbath,…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv10–18 I was--Greek, "I came to be"; "I became."
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv10–18 10. Was—Became, again; the word designates his transition.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv10–18 Vision of the Son of Man, Rev_1:10-20
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv10–18 (10) I was (or, I became) in the Spirit.—The…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv10–18 I was in the Spirit. I came to be…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv13, 17 In the midst of the seven candlesticks One like…
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv10–18 10. I was in the Spirit. Was lifted to…
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v12 Rev_1:12. See the voice.—“See Him whose voice I heard.”…
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 While it is positively revealed that no one is…
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On vv10, 18 Rev 1:9-20.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv10, 18 voice The theophanies. Rev 1:9-20; Gen 12:7
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv12, 17 The vision of the Son of Man:
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 14, 17 Connecting Statement:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv10–18 1:10 the Lord’s Day: This designation was used in…
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