Revelation 1:19 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:19 mean?

Revelation 1:19 describes Jesus instructing John to write down three things: what John has already seen, what is happening now, and what will happen in the future. This sets up the structure for the book of Revelation, dividing its message into past, present, and future events.

In this verse, the risen Jesus is speaking directly to John while John is exiled on the island of Patmos. Jesus tells John to record his vision, which includes what John has just witnessed (the vision of Jesus), the current situation of the churches, and events that are yet to come. This command gives John a clear purpose and frames the entire book as a message meant to be shared.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:19

• "Write" (γράψον, graphon): This is a direct command from Jesus to John, emphasizing the importance of recording the vision accurately and completely.
• "Seen" (εἶδες, eides): This word refers to what John has already witnessed, likely the vision of Jesus described earlier in the chapter.
• "Are" (εἰσίν, eisin): This points to the present realities, likely the current state of the seven churches John will address in the next chapters.
• "Shall be hereafter" (μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα, mellei genesthai meta tauta): This phrase means "what is about to happen after these things," highlighting that John is to write about future events as well.

Why Revelation 1:19 matters

• Revelation 1:19 clarifies the organization of the book, helping readers understand that it covers past, present, and future visions.
• The verse shows that the message is not just for John but for others, since he is told to write everything down.
• This instruction from Jesus gives authority to the visions and messages John is about to share, showing that they are meant to be taken seriously by the early Christian communities.