I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

REVELATION 1:9KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 1:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:9 mean?

Revelation 1:9 describes John introducing himself as a fellow believer who shares in suffering, the kingdom, and patient endurance because of his faith in Jesus Christ. John explains that he is on the island of Patmos because he has been faithful to God’s message and the testimony about Jesus.

John, the author, is writing to Christian readers who are facing hardship. He calls himself their “brother” and “companion,” showing that he is not above them but stands with them in their struggles. The mention of Patmos sets the scene: John is exiled there, not for any crime, but because of his commitment to spreading God’s word and bearing witness to Jesus.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:9

  • ἀδελφὸς (adelphos, “brother”): This word emphasizes John’s close relationship with his readers, highlighting equality and shared experience rather than authority.
  • συγκοινωνός (synkoinōnos, “companion”): The Greek here carries the sense of someone who participates fully with others, not just observing but sharing in both the hardships and the hope.
  • θλῖψις (thlipsis, “tribulation”): This word often refers to real distress or persecution, not just general trouble, pointing to the serious challenges early Christians faced.
  • ὑπομονή (hypomonē, “patience” or “endurance”): The Greek term means steadfastness under pressure, suggesting not just waiting but actively holding firm through difficulty.

Why Revelation 1:9 matters

  • Revelation 1:9 clears up that John is not writing from a position of comfort or distance; he is suffering alongside other believers, making his message more personal and credible.
  • The verse highlights that following Jesus can involve real hardship, but also calls for endurance and hope in God’s kingdom.
  • By mentioning Patmos and the reason for his exile, John connects his personal story to the larger theme of faithful witness, which is central to the whole book of Revelation.

Where else these words appear

“companion” Greek G4791 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
  • 1 Corinthians 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
  • Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

“isle” Greek G3520 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
  • Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
  • Acts 28:11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

“patience” Greek G5281 · used in 31 verses

  • Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
  • James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

“testimony” Greek G3141 · used in 33 verses

  • Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
  • John 5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
  • 1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.