Revelation 1:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus Christ is named as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and ruler of earth's kings, who loved us and freed us from our sins by His blood.
What Does Revelation 1:5 Mean?
The greeting reaches its center in Jesus Christ, honored with three great titles. He is the faithful witness who spoke the truth even to death, the firstborn from the dead who has risen never to die again, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. From these titles John bursts into praise of the One who loved us and washed us from our sins.
Each title meets a need of a suffering church. The faithful witness shows them how to stand firm; the firstborn from the dead promises they too will live; the ruler of kings assures them that earthly powers are not the last word. And beneath it all is love, a love proven not in words but in His own blood poured out to cleanse them. The Lord who reigns is the Lord who first gave Himself for them.
Revelation 1:5 in the Original Language
prototokos (πρωτότοκος), 'firstborn' -- the firstborn, here the first to rise from death into unending life, holding the place of preeminence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 1:5
What does Revelation 1:5 mean?
Jesus Christ is named as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and ruler of earth's kings, who loved us and freed us from our sins by His blood.