And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

REVELATION 2:8KJV
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Revelation 2:8 (KJV)

What does Revelation 2:8 mean?

Revelation 2:8 records a message addressed to the “angel” of the church in Smyrna, coming from Jesus, who describes himself as “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” This verse introduces Jesus as the eternal one who has conquered death, setting the stage for his message to this particular church.

The speaker is Jesus, and he is addressing the Christian community in the ancient city of Smyrna through their “angel” (often understood as a messenger or leader). By calling himself “the first and the last,” Jesus claims authority over all time, and by saying he “was dead, and is alive,” he points to his resurrection. This introduction is meant to encourage the believers in Smyrna, who were facing hardship, by reminding them that their Lord has ultimate power over life and death.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:8

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): “angel” or “messenger.” This word can mean a heavenly being, but in the context of Revelation’s letters, it is often understood as the human leader or representative of the church in Smyrna.
  • πρῶτος (prōtos) and ἔσχατος (eschatos): “first” and “last.” These words emphasize Jesus’s eternal nature and authority, showing that he exists before all things and will remain after all things.
  • νεκρός (nekros): “dead.” This word highlights the reality of Jesus’s death, not just a symbolic or apparent death, but an actual experience of death.
  • ζάω (zaō): “alive.” This word stresses that Jesus is now living, having overcome death, which is central to the hope he offers the church.

Why Revelation 2:8 matters

  • Revelation 2:8 clarifies that the message to Smyrna comes from Jesus himself, who has experienced death and now lives, making his encouragement especially meaningful to a persecuted church.
  • The verse connects Jesus’s identity (“the first and the last”) to God’s eternal nature in the Old Testament, emphasizing his divine authority.
  • By introducing himself this way, Jesus prepares the church in Smyrna to hear a message about suffering and endurance, reminding them that he has already triumphed over the greatest hardship—death itself.

Where else these words appear

“things” Greek G3592 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
  • Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • 1 Timothy 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

“church” Greek G1577 · used in 115 verses

  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  • Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.