Revelation 1:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Overcome at the sight, John falls as dead, but Christ lays His hand on him and says, Fear not, declaring Himself the first and the last.
What Does Revelation 1:17 Mean?
John's reaction to the vision is total: he falls at the feet of the glorious figure as though dead, undone by the sight. But the same right hand that held the seven stars now reaches down and rests on him. The Lord speaks the words heaven so often speaks to trembling people: Fear not. And He names Himself the first and the last.
This is the heart of the encounter. The One whose majesty overwhelms John is the One who stoops to touch and steady him. The hand that holds the churches is laid gently on the fallen servant. To be the first and the last is to be the eternal Lord over all beginnings and endings, the One who therefore has nothing to fear and gives His people the same freedom. Awe gives way to comfort, and dread to peace, because the glorious Christ is also the gracious Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 1:17
What does Revelation 1:17 mean?
Overcome at the sight, John falls as dead, but Christ lays His hand on him and says, Fear not, declaring Himself the first and the last.