Revelation 1:4 Meaning and Explanation
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →John greets seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from the eternal God who is, was, and is to come, and from the sevenfold Spirit before the throne.
What Does Revelation 1:4 Mean?
The book now takes the form of a letter addressed to seven real congregations in the Roman province of Asia, named later in the chapter. John opens with the familiar greeting of grace and peace, but anchors it in the eternal God described as the One who is, and was, and is to come. The sevenfold Spirit before the throne completes the source of this blessing.
To call God the One who is, and was, and is to come is to confess that He fills all time and outlasts every empire that troubles His people. For churches under pressure, this is steadying news: their grace and peace come from a throne no enemy can shake. The number seven, used throughout the book, suggests fullness and completeness, so that nothing of God's grace is lacking to them.
Revelation 1:4 in the Original Language
charis (χάρις), 'grace' -- unearned favor and kindness freely given by God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 1:4
What does Revelation 1:4 mean?
John greets seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from the eternal God who is, was, and is to come, and from the sevenfold Spirit before the throne.