Revelation 1:9
What does Revelation 1:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 1:9 means
John identifies with his readers as a brother and partner in the tribulation, kingdom, and patient endurance in Jesus. Exiled to the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s word and Jesus’ testimony, he shares the cost of faith. His humility—calling himself a brother rather than an apostle—draws the churches close in solidarity. The Christian life, he reminds them, involves suffering now, belonging to Christ’s reign, and persistent endurance. John’s location and reason for exile show that Revelation is born out of costly witness. The seer is not aloof; he stands with the churches he serves, under the same Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I, John, your brother, who have a part with you in the trouble and the kingdom and the quiet strength of Jesus, was in the island which is named Patmos, for the word of God and the witness of Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I, John, who also <FI>am<Fi> your brother, and fellow-partner in the tribulation, and in the reign and endurance, of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I, John, your brother and your partner in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience in Christ Jesus, was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I John, your brother and fellow-partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and patience, in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, for the word ofGod, and for the testimony of Jesus.
Context
With verse 8 affirming God’s sovereignty, verse 9 shifts to the human setting of the vision. John’s exile and partnership in suffering and endurance provide the lived context for the revelations that follow. This prepares for verse 10’s account of being in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and hearing a trumpet-like voice. The frame matters: the visions are not detached from church life under pressure but speak directly into it with comfort, correction, and hope.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 12:17
And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:
- 2 Thessalonians 1:4
so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure;
- Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
- Revelation 3:10
Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
- Philippians 1:7
even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.
- 2 Timothy 1:8
Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;
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