King James Version
Revelation
Revelation in the King James Version (1769), public domain in the United States.
Background and History
The chapters above are the King James text. This essay is the setting of Revelation: who is said to have written it, when and where, what happens in it, and how the text has been copied.
At a Glance
| Author | John, a servant of God on Patmos. The early church, including Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, identified him with the apostle. Dionysius of Alexandria doubted it on grounds of style, and many modern scholars agree. |
|---|---|
| Date | AD 95–96 under Domitian, following Irenaeus, or AD 64–65 under Nero. One survey gives both. |
| Place written | Patmos, an island in the Dodecanese, Greece. |
| Genre | Apocalyptic prophecy in the form of a letter to seven churches. |
| Chapters | 22 |
| Verses | 404 in the King James Version |
| Key verse | Revelation 1:8Revelation 1:8 · King James VersionI am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.Revelation 1:8 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
Who Wrote It
Revelation 1:1Revelation 1:1 · King James VersionThe Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Revelation 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1) says God gave the revelation of Jesus Christ to his servant John. Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 · King James VersionI 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 1:9 · King James VersionOpen the Source places John on Patmos for the word of God. The writer never calls himself an apostle.
Eusebius, in Church History 3.18, quotes Irenaeus as saying the vision was seen near the end of Domitian’s reign. (2) In 4.18 he reports that Justin Martyr said the Apocalypse was the apostle John’s. Origen, in 6.25, says John who wrote the Gospel also wrote the Apocalypse. (3) The Muratorian fragment receives the Apocalypse of John. (4) Athanasius ends his list with it. (5) Eusebius in 3.25 places it among acknowledged books if it seems proper and among rejected books for others, reflecting the debate. (2) He reports in book 7 that Dionysius of Alexandria judged the Greek and style too different from the Gospel to be by the same writer. Many modern scholars agree, and some name a separate John. Others answer that genre and secretaries explain the difference.
Who It Is Not
John Mark is not a candidate in any ancient source. The Apocalypse of Peter is a different work. (2)
When and Where
Bible Gateway gives AD 64–65 under Nero or AD 95–96 under Domitian. (6) Irenaeus, in Eusebius 3.18, supports the later date. (2) Supporters of the earlier date read Revelation 11:1–2Revelation 11:1–2 · King James Version11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
Revelation 11:1–2 · King James VersionOpen the Source as assuming the temple still stands and read the number in Revelation 13:18Revelation 13:18 · King James VersionHere is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Revelation 13:18 · King James VersionOpen the Source as Nero.
Audience and Setting
Seven churches in the Roman province of Asia, named in Revelation 1:11Revelation 1:11 · King James VersionSaying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Revelation 1:11 · King James VersionOpen the Source. The purpose is to encourage faithfulness under pressure, warn against compromise, and reveal God’s final victory in Christ.
Rulers at the Time
The book names no emperor. Irenaeus, in Eusebius, connects the vision with Domitian, and Eusebius places Paul’s martyrdom under Nero. (2) This page does not print reign dates, because they were not checked for this essay.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Exile on Patmos | John receives the vision. Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 · King James VersionI 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 1:9 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Letters to the churches | Revelation 2–3 |
| Visions of judgment | Seals, trumpets, and bowls. Revelation 4–16 |
| Fall of Babylon and the new creation | Revelation 17–22 |
| Composition | AD 64–65 or AD 95–96 in one survey. (6) |
Places in This Book
| Ancient name | Modern-day location | References |
|---|---|---|
| Patmos | Patmos, Dodecanese, Greece. | Revelation 1:9Revelation 1:9 · King James VersionI 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 1:9 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Ephesus | Ruins near Selçuk, İzmir Province, Turkey. | Revelation 2:1Revelation 2:1 · King James VersionUnto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;Revelation 2:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Smyrna | İzmir, Turkey. | Revelation 2:8Revelation 2:8 · King James VersionAnd unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;Revelation 2:8 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Pergamos | Bergama, İzmir Province, Turkey. | Revelation 2:12Revelation 2:12 · King James VersionAnd to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;Revelation 2:12 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Thyatira | Akhisar, Manisa Province, Turkey. | Revelation 2:18Revelation 2:18 · King James VersionAnd 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;Revelation 2:18 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Sardis | Ruins at Sart, Manisa Province, Turkey. | Revelation 3:1Revelation 3:1 · King James VersionAnd unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.Revelation 3:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Philadelphia | Alaşehir, Manisa Province, Turkey. | Revelation 3:7Revelation 3:7 · King James VersionAnd to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;Revelation 3:7 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Laodicea | Ruins near Denizli, Turkey. | Revelation 3:14Revelation 3:14 · King James VersionAnd unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;Revelation 3:14 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
What Is Happening
Revelation 1 is the vision of the risen Christ. Revelation 2–3 are letters to seven churches. Revelation 4–5 show the throne of God and the Lamb. Revelation 6–16 are the seals, trumpets, and bowls of judgment, with interludes. Revelation 17–19 describe Babylon’s fall and Christ’s coming. Revelation 20 is the thousand years and the final judgment. Revelation 21–22 are the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem.
Key Themes
God’s sovereignty over history, in Revelation 4:11Revelation 4:11 · King James VersionThou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11 · King James VersionOpen the Source. The victory of the Lamb, in Revelation 5:9–12Revelation 5:9–12 · King James Version5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:9–12 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Faithful witness under persecution, in Revelation 2:10Revelation 2:10 · King James VersionFear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10 · King James VersionOpen the Source. The new creation, in Revelation 21:4–5Revelation 21:4–5 · King James Version21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Revelation 21:4–5 · King James VersionOpen the Source.
Apologetics Questions
Christians who confess the Trinity read Revelation through different frameworks: preterist, historicist, futurist, and idealist. They also differ on the millennium in Revelation 20. This page does not choose. The authorship and date debates are stated above.
How the Book Points to Christ
Revelation 1:8Revelation 1:8 · King James VersionI am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8 · King James VersionOpen the Source has the Lord God call himself Alpha and Omega, and Revelation 22:13Revelation 22:13 · King James VersionI am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Revelation 22:13 · King James VersionOpen the Source gives that title to the one who comes quickly, whom Revelation 22:16Revelation 22:16 · King James VersionI Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Revelation 22:16 · King James VersionOpen the Source names as Jesus. The Lamb receives the same worship as the one on the throne in Revelation 5:13Revelation 5:13 · King James VersionAnd every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelation 5:13 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Jesus is God. Who Wrote the Book of Revelation? sets out the authorship evidence.
Text and Manuscripts
Codex Sinaiticus contains Revelation. (7) Revelation has fewer Greek manuscripts than other New Testament books. The King James wording of Revelation 22:19Revelation 22:19 · King James VersionAnd if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Revelation 22:19 · King James VersionOpen the Source, book of life, differs from most Greek copies, which read tree of life. The verse page states it.
Canon Reception
Revelation was widely received in the West early, and doubted in parts of the East after Dionysius. (2) Athanasius lists it. (5)
Further Reading
Who Wrote the Book of Revelation? and How Was the Bible Canon Decided?.
References
- Book of Revelation, 1:1; 1:4; 1:9; 22:8Revelation 1:1 · King James Version
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Revelation 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source. King James Version - Church History, Book 3, 3.18; 3.24.18; 3.25; 3.39Papias, in Eusebius, Church History 3.39.15 · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, New Advent
Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord's discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.
Papias, in Eusebius, Church History 3.39.15 · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, New AdventOpen the Source (Eusebius, Church History 3.3, 3.24–25, and 3.39, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 1, on New Advent. Chapter 25 sorts books into acknowledged, disputed, and rejected. Chapter 39 reports Papias on Mark and Matthew.) - Church History, Book 6, 6.25.9 (Eusebius, Church History 6.14 and 6.25, reporting Clement of Alexandria and Origen. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 1, on New Advent.)
- Muratorian fragment, the Apocalypse of JohnMuratorian fragment, on Acts · Roberts-Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers 5
Moreover, the Acts of all the Apostles are comprised by Luke in one book, and addressed to the most excellent Theophilus, because these different events took place when he was present himself; and he shows this clearly-i.e., that the principle on which he wrote was, to give only what fell under his own notice-by the omission of the passion of Peter, and also of the journey of Paul, when he went from the city-Rome-to Spain.
Muratorian fragment, on Acts · Roberts-Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers 5Open the Source (Roberts-Donaldson translation, Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 5. The Latin is damaged and the English follows restorations. The fragment lists the books read in the church and those rejected.) - Festal Letter 39, 39.4–5 (Athanasius of Alexandria, AD 367, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 4, on New Advent. The letter lists twenty-two Old Testament books and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, and places Esther among books to be read rather than in the canon.)
- When Was Each Book of the Bible Written?, Revelation (Jacob Edson, Bible Gateway, 16 September 2024. The survey gives Revelation as AD 64–65 or AD 95–96. It is one editor’s approximation, not a manuscript date.)
- Codex Sinaiticus, About the manuscriptCodex Sinaiticus: content · Codex Sinaiticus Project
Codex Sinaiticus, a manuscript of the Christian Bible written in the middle of the fourth century, contains the earliest complete copy of the Christian New Testament.
Codex Sinaiticus: content · Codex Sinaiticus ProjectOpen the Source (The Codex Sinaiticus project’s description of the manuscript, a fourth-century Greek Bible with the earliest complete copy of the New Testament.)
The King James Version (1769) is in the public domain in the United States.