Revelation 1:3
What does Revelation 1:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 1:3 means
God pronounces a blessing on the one who reads this prophecy aloud and on those who hear and keep what it says. Revelation was designed for congregational worship, where a reader and listeners together respond in obedience. The blessing is not for curiosity but for keeping—guarding and practicing its message. The statement that the time is near heightens urgency; God’s future presses upon the present. Believers are to watch, repent, endure, and hope. This verse assures that Revelation is good news for the church: when received with faith and obedience, it brings spiritual happiness and readiness for whatever soon unfolds.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Blessed 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Blessed 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Blessed 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A blessing be on the reader, and on those who give ear to the prophet's words, and keep the things which he has put in the book: for the time is near.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Happy is he who is reading, and those hearing, the words of the prophecy, and keeping the things written in it--for the time is nigh!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed [is] he that reads, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things written in it; for the time [is] near.
Context
Verses 1–2 establish source and witness; verse 3 adds a gracious incentive—blessing for attentive obedience. This prepares the way for the epistolary greeting to the seven churches in verses 4–6 and the majestic declaration of Christ’s coming in verse 7. The call to “hear and keep” sets the tone for the whole book, especially the messages to the churches in chapters 2–3. Readers are invited to approach the visions with reverent expectation and a willingness to be corrected and strengthened by the Lord.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 5:8
Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
- Revelation 22:20
He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.
- 1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:
- Luke 11:28
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
- Revelation 22:6
And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass.
- Romans 13:11
And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when wefirstbelieved.
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