Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:8

What does Revelation 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:8 means

To Smyrna, Jesus introduces Himself as “the first and the last,” the One who died and lived again. For a suffering church, this is perfect comfort. He is eternal, sovereign over history’s bookends, and personally acquainted with death and resurrection. He has already triumphed over what threatens them most. His self-description assures them that no trial can outlast Him and that resurrection life stands beyond the grave. The voice that addresses them belongs to the Lord of time who has passed through death. The church may be pressed hard, but the One speaking holds both their beginning and end—and His life defines their hope.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna say: These things says the first and the last, who was dead and is living:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And to the messenger of the assembly of the Smyrneans write: These things saith the First and the Last, who did become dead and did live;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to the angel of the church of Smyrna write: These things saith the First and the Last, who was dead and is alive:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And to the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: These things says the first and the last, who became dead, and lived:

Context

This is the opening line of the second letter, to Smyrna. As with Ephesus (verse 1), Jesus’ self-description fits the church’s condition—here, a persecuted congregation. Commendation and realistic preparation for suffering follow (verses 9–10), along with a promise of life untouched by the second death (verse 11). There will be no rebuke in this letter, only counsel to remain faithful and a promise that outlasts death itself.

v.7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

v.8This passage

v.9I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 1:8

    I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

  • Revelation 1:11

    saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,

  • Revelation 2:1

    To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

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