Devine Scripture

Revelation 22:13

What does Revelation 22:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 22:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 22:13 means

By claiming to be the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, Jesus identifies Himself with the eternal God who comprehends all things. He was before all, sustains all, and brings history to its appointed goal. These titles frame time and reality within His person, assuring that His promises and judgments are absolute and unassailable. Because He is the origin and the consummation, nothing escapes His notice or falls outside His purpose. The church can rest and obey under this Lord, knowing that the One who began the story will also write its final line in perfect wisdom and righteousness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I am the First and the Last, the start and the end.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and End--the First and the Last.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I [am] the Alpha and the Omega, [the] first and [the] last, the beginning and the end.

Context

Following the promise of reward, Jesus grounds that promise in His eternal identity. This prepares for the beatitude of verse 14, giving confidence that those who are cleansed truly have right of access. It also sharpens the contrast with verse 15, where those who practice evil are left outside. The flow is identity, then destiny: who Jesus is determines what He gives and how He separates.

v.12Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.

v.13This passage

v.14Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 48:12

    Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

  • 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,

  • Isaiah 41:4

    Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last, I am he.

  • Isaiah 44:6

    Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.

  • 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.

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