SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:1

1:1a

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ: In Greek this phase is more literally “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” This phrase introduces the book. In some languages it is more natural to translate this phrase as a complete clause or sentence, as the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions have done. For example:

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Berean Standard Bible, God’s Word)
-or-
This ⌊book/letter/writing⌋ is the revelation of Jesus Christ,

This phrase indicates that Jesus Christ revealed the things in this book to John. Other ways to translate this are:

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The revelation from Jesus Christ (New International Version (2011))
-or-
This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. (Good News Translation)

revelation of Jesus Christ: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as revelation refers to something unknown that someone shows/reveals to someone else. In some languages it is more natural to translate this phrase using a verb. For example:

things revealed by Jesus Christ
-or-
hidden things/knowledge that Jesus Christ told
-or-

hidden/secret⌋ knowledge that Jesus Christ revealed

Christ: The word Christ is a title for Jesus. It means “the anointed one.” The Hebrew word mashiah (English: “Messiah”) has the same meaning. The Jews used it to refer to the person whom God promised would save/free his people and rule them. Here the word Christ describes Jesus as the Christ.

Some ways to translate Christ are:

Use a title or a descriptive phrase in your language that has the same meaning as Christ. For example:

God’s⌋ Anointed/Chosen One
-or-

Promised⌋ Deliverer
-or-
the Rescuer-King

Use the major language word, spell it as people in your language would say it, and include a phrase that explains the meaning. For example:

Karisiti, the appointed one
-or-
Cristo, the Savior whom God promised to send

Use the major language word, spell it as people in your language would say it, and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the Kirisita

Use the word Messiah, if it is more clearly a title used only for Jesus. Spell it as people in your language would say it and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the⌋ Mesaaia

If you have translated other New Testament books, see how you translated this word there. Also, if you have a footnote explaining this word in Matthew 1:1, Mark 1:1, Luke 2:11, or John 1:17, you may want to repeat it here.

which God gave Him: This clause tells the reader more about the revelation. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Jesus had other revelations but God only gave this one to him. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about this revelation. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

It was given to him by God.
-or-
God gave it to him.

gave: The word gave indicates that God showed these revelations to Jesus. In some languages a word other than gave is more natural. For example:

showed (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
told

1:1b

His servants: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servants refers to believers. It indicates that believers must obey the things God tells them to do.

The Greek word can also be translated as “slaves.” However, it is important not to indicate or imply that it is a position of shame or humiliation. A servant of God has a position of honor. Other ways to translate this word are:

his workers
-or-
the people who serve him
-or-
his people, they work for him
-or-
his people, they do his will

His: The pronoun His probably refers here to God.

must soon come to pass: Here the phrase must soon come to pass indicates that the events in the revelation will certainly happen soon. God has decided that all these events will happen, so they will certainly happen. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

must soon happen (New Century Version)
-or-
will soon necessarily/indeed occur
-or-
has been determined ⌊by God⌋ to happen soon
-or-
will definitely/certainly occur soon

1:1c

He made…known: The person that the pronoun He refers to is unclear. It is probably Jesus. In some languages it is more natural to say to whom this pronoun refers. For example:

Christ made these things known (Good News Translation)

made…known: This phrase refers to revealing something through signs. Here, the signs are things and events that have symbolic meanings. There are many things that are symbolic in Revelation, for example: the dragon (12:3) and the woman on the scarlet beast (17:3).

Jesus communicated this revelation to believers by sending his angel with the revelation to John. The angel showed the revelation to John. John wrote this revelation and sent it to the believers. Other ways to translate these words are:

revealed through signs
-or-
communicated (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
sent this revelation (God’s Word)
-or-
show (New Century Version)

it: The pronoun it refers to the revelation, namely, the things that Jesus revealed (1:1a).

His angel: The pronoun His probably refers here to Jesus.

angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” It refers here to a spirit being who serves Christ. Some ways to translate this word are:

Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messenger
-or-

good/holy⌋ spirit-being

Use a local word that fits the biblical meaning.

In some languages the churches may already be using the major language word for “angel.” Be sure that this word fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not know the right meaning from this word, you may want to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

angel messenger
-or-
sacred angel spirit

Be sure that your word for “angel” is different from your words or phrases for “prophet” and “apostle.”

to His servant John: The name John refers to the author himself. John wrote about himself in the third person. This was good Greek style. In some languages it is more natural to use the first person. For example:

to his servant John, ⌊me
-or-
to ⌊me⌋ John, his servant

His: This pronoun refers here to Jesus.

servant: This word has the same meaning as it does in 1:1b.

John: The traditional view is that John the Apostle wrote this Revelation. But a second century Christian, Dionysius, thought is was someone named “John the Elder” and not John the Apostle. Many scholars refuse to choose which is most likely. It is best not to name this John as “the Apostle” or “the Elder.”

General Comment on 1:1a–c

In some languages it is more natural to follow the chronological order of communicating the message. For example:

1a
This book is⌋ the revelation of Jesus Christ. God gave it to him. 1c He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,1bHe/God gave it to him⌋ to show his/God’s servants what must soon take place. 2a John testifies…

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:2

1:2a–b

who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ: The Greek words are literally “who testifies to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ(,) whatever he saw.” The phrase “everything he saw” explains the phrase “This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” In other words, both phrases refer to the messages, visions, and prophecies in this book. For example:

who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
John testified about what he saw: God’s word and the testimony about Jesus Christ. (God’s Word)
-or-
who has told everything he has seen. It is the word of God; it is the message from Jesus Christ. (New Century Version)

1:2a

who testifies: This clause tells the reader more about John (1:1c). In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there were other people named John who received this message and only this John testifies. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about John. For example:

John testifies
-or-

and⌋ I testify

testifies: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as testifies means “to tell/report what one saw, heard, or knows.” The word is often used when the person speaking is expected to be truthful and accurate. Other ways to translate this word are:

faithfully reported (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
told…about (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
has borne witness (New Jerusalem Bible)

The Greek grammar is usually translated with the English past tense. Many English versions use the past tense here, as in the New Living Translation (2004) example above. But since John will tell his readers the revelation after this, the Berean Standard Bible uses the present tense. The present tense in English here refers generally to what he wrote in this book. Use the tense that is natural in your language. For example:

is testifying
-or-
testified

everything he saw: John implies everything that he heard as well. In some languages a literal translation would not imply that. If that is true in your language, include the implied meaning in your translation. For example:

everything he saw ⌊and heard

1:2b

This is: In the Greek the phrase “everything he saw” explains the phrase “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” The Berean Standard Bible adds the words This is to indicate the connection between the two phrases. See the note on 1:2a–b for other ways to translate the connection between these phrases.

the word of God: The phrase the word of God here indicates that the word was from God. It is not one word but a message. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the message from God (Good News Translation)
-or-
this word from/of God
-or-
the true words of God
-or-
the things that God said ⌊to me

the testimony of Jesus Christ: The word of here allows two meanings: the testimony that Jesus Christ spoke, and the testimony about Jesus.

The first meaning refers to what he said in chapters 2 and 3, his words in 22:7 to obey the words of this book, and in 22:16 he said that this book was a testimony that he sent to the churches.

The second meaning refers to what this book says about Jesus, for example 1:10–18 and 19:11–16.

Both meanings are true here. In many languages the word of allows both meanings. If that is true in your language, use of here. But some languages must choose one meaning or the other. If that is true in your language, translate the first meaning. Some ways to translate this phrase with that meaning are:

the truth revealed by Jesus Christ (Good News Translation)
-or-
the message from Jesus Christ (New Century Version)

testimony: The word testimony means “the words spoken about what one knows.” It implies that the spoken words are truthful and accurate. Other ways to translate this word are:

witness (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
true message

General Comment on 1:2a–b

In the Greek, the phrase “to everything he saw” occurs at the end of the verse. In some languages it is more natural to follow this order. For example:

John testifies to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, namely, everything he saw ⌊and heard⌋ .
-or-
who testifies to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. With/By this talk, he means everything he saw ⌊and heard⌋ .

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:3

Paragraph 1:3

1:3a

Blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Blessed describes a person who is in a good situation. In the Bible, the good situation results from God showing favor/kindness to the person.

This word does not primarily refer to a feeling. However, a person in this good situation will frequently have good feelings like happiness and joy. Do not use a word that only refers to material prosperity or physical health.

Other ways to translate this word are:

Favored
-or-
How good it is
-or-
In a good/desirable position ⌊in God’s eyes
-or-
Shown kindness ⌊by God

This is the same word used in Matthew 5:3–11 in the Beatitudes.

reads aloud: In Greek, the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as reads aloud is more literally “reading.” The Berean Standard Bible supplies the word aloud because at that time the word “reading” normally referred to reading aloud, either to oneself or to others. People did not normally read silently. The context here implies reading aloud to a group (1:3b). However, if possible, translate this word so that it can refer to any kind of reading (See the English Standard Version translation in the Display).

prophecy: The word prophecy refers to a message that God gives to someone. The message may include a vision, as in Ezekiel 1 and Daniel 8. A prophecy may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events. The prophet speaks the prophecy to the people or writes it down for their use.

Many scholars believe that Revelation 2:1 through 3:22 are prophecies about things that were happening at the time John received this revelation. Many also believe that 4:1 through 22:17 are prophecies about future events.

Some languages do not have a word for prophecy. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

direct message from God
-or-
God’s ⌊new⌋ message
-or-
a message that God has revealed

Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

The word “prophecy” refers to a message that God gives to someone. The message may include a vision. A prophecy may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events.

1:3b

those who hear and obey what is written in it: John referred here to the people who were listening to someone reading this prophecy aloud (1:3a). He was indicating that people who hear the words of this prophecy also have to obey what is written before they are blessed.

obey: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as obey is literally “keep” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Here the word “keep” refers to following what was said and valuing it. Other ways to translate the Greek word are:

live according to it
-or-
do what is written in it (New Century Version)

1:3c

the time is near: This clause indicates that the events in this prophecy will happen soon. Some languages may need to say explicitly what time is near. For example:

the time is near when all these things will happen (Good News Translation)

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:4

Section 1:4–8

John greeted the churches and praised Jesus

In this section, John identified himself and indicated to whom the letter was addressed. He greeted them in the usual way that was done in letters at that time. He then praised Jesus and told the readers of this letter what its theme was.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

Greetings to the Seven Churches (Good News Translation)
-or-
John introduced himself and greeted the seven churches
-or-
Greeting ⌊and introduction⌋ from John

Paragraph 1:4–5c

1:4a–b

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: After John introduced the content and purpose of this letter and announced a blessing (1:1–3), here he identified himself and those to whom he was writing. Other languages may use another order or other introduction words. For example:

From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia (Good News Translation)
-or-
This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
To the seven churches in the province of Asia. This letter is from ⌊me,⌋ John

1:4a

John: John is the name of the person who wrote the letter. In some languages it is more natural to make this clear by using the first-person pronoun, “I.” For example:

I am⌋ John. ⌊I write⌋ to the seven churches in Asia
-or-

I,⌋ John, ⌊am writing this letter⌋ to the seven churches in the province of Asia

1:4b

To the seven churches in the province of Asia: The phrase the seven churches in the province of Asia refers to seven groups of believers in Asia. The phrase does not imply that only seven groups of believers existed in Asia.

seven churches: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as churches refers generally to a gathering of people. Someone summoned the people for a particular purpose. Here, as almost always in the NT, it refers to groups of believers.

In the Bible this word never refers to church buildings. You also should not use a phrase that refers to separate groupings of churches where each group has its own name. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

seven congregations
-or-
the believers ⌊who live in⌋ seven cities
-or-
the seven gatherings of believers

the province of Asia: The Berean Standard Bible adds the phrase the province of. At that time the name “Asia” referred only to a small region in what is now the western part of the country of Turkey. But in English the name now refers to a large region of the world that includes the country of China. So the Berean Standard Bible and some English versions add the phrase the province of to indicate the old meaning.

You may also want to explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

At that time, the name Asia referred to a province under Roman rule that was across the Aegean Sea east of Greece. It was in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey.

1:4c

Grace and peace to you: The saying Grace and peace to you was a common greeting among believers at that time. So authors of the books in the New Testament usually began their books that way.

This greeting has no verb. In some languages it is more natural to add a verb. For example:

May⌋ grace and peace ⌊be given⌋ to you
-or-

May⌋ you ⌊receive⌋ grace and peace
-or-
Grace and peace be yours (Good News Translation)

Grace: The word Grace here refers to God being kind to those who do not deserve it. God does things for people because he wants to and not because they earned it. Other ways to translate this are:

kindness (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
help
-or-
favor

In some languages, it is necessary to translate Grace using a verb. For example:

voluntarily/graciously be kind
-or-
help ⌊as a gift/favor

If you need to translate Grace using a verb, you may need to reorder the sentence. This is discussed in the General Comment on 1:4c–5c.

peace: In Jewish culture the word peace describes a situation of well-being that can include safety, wholeness, and health. It often describes harmony and friendship between God and people, or between individuals or groups of people. Other ways to translate peace here are:

harmony
-or-
wellness

In some languages, it is necessary to translate peace using a verb. For example:

live whole/well/peacefully
-or-
be calm/peaceful

Again, you may need to refer to the General Comment on 1:4c–5c for ways to reorder the sentence.

1:4d

from Him who is and was and is to come: These words refer to God. John described God here in the middle of his request for grace and peace.

John described God using three phrases. In your translation, make sure that it is clear that the one who is, the one who was, and the one who is to come all refer to God. Other ways to translate this saying are:

from the One who is and was and is coming (New Century Version)
-or-
from him who exists, who ⌊always⌋ existed and who is coming
-or-
from God, who is, who was, and who is to come (Good News Translation)

is to come: The clause is to come uses a different Greek verb that the verb used in the previous two clauses. Those clauses use the verb meaning “be/exist.” The verb in this clause probably refers to God coming to do the things written in this book. Other ways to translate this clause are:

who is still to come (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
who is coming (God’s Word)

The clause is to come does not refer to Jesus returning. So you should not translate this as “who is to return.”

1:4e

from the seven Spirits: This phrase is connected to “Grace and peace to you” (1:4c). It indicates that John also asked the seven spirits to give grace and peace.

the seven Spirits: Many scholars believe that the phrase the seven Spirits is a symbolic reference to the Holy Spirit. The number seven then represents completion or perfection. Other scholars believe that the phrase refers to seven angels. These angels could be either seven archangels, or seven other spirits who serve God. Since the meaning of this phrase is not clear, you may want to:

Translate literally. You may also want to explain the various opinions about its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Scholars have several opinions about the words “the seven spirits.” Some think the words refer symbolically to the Holy Spirit. Others think the words refer to seven angels of highest rank. Others think that the words refer to seven spirits of a special kind that only serve God at the throne.

Indicate that the phrase refers symbolically to the Holy Spirit. For example:

the Spirit ⌊symbolized by⌋ ⌊the word/number⌋ seven

If you do that, then you may want to include a footnote to indicate the literal words. An example footnote is:

Literally: “the seven spirits.” John may have used this phrase to refer to the Holy Spirit, seven angels of highest rank, or seven spirits of a special kind who serve God at the throne.

before His throne: Here the phrase before His throne indicates that the seven spirits are always in God’s presence. It is implied that God is seated on his throne. It is more clear in some languages to indicate the implied information. For example:

before the throne ⌊where God is seated

throne: This word refers to the official chair of a king. When the king is seated on his throne, he rules over his people and his country. Therefore, the word throne is a symbol for authority to rule. Another way to translate this word is:

leader’s place to rule

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:5

1:5a–c

from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth: The three phrases the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth all describe Jesus.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there are other people named Jesus Christ and only this one is the faithful witness, and so forth. If that is true in your language, translate these words so that they tell more about Jesus Christ. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness. He is the firstborn from the dead, and he rules the kings of the earth.
-or-
Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness, the first among those raised from the dead. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. (New Century Version)

1:5a

and from Jesus Christ: The word from refers back to the greeting of “Grace and peace to you” (1:4c). It indicates that John also asked Jesus to give grace and peace.

In some languages it is necessary or more natural to repeat the greeting phrase here. For example:

and ⌊grace and peace to you⌋ from Jesus Christ
-or-
May Jesus Christ also give you grace and peace

See other examples in the General Comment on 1:4c–5c.

faithful: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as faithful refers to being worthy of trust. People can depend on that person. Here the word indicates that Jesus was completely reliable, dependable, and truthful in what he said. Other ways to translate this word are:

dependable
-or-
trustworthy (God’s Word)
-or-
truthful

witness: This word refers to a person who tells what he has seen, heard, or come to know. The Greek word that means witness is closely related to “testifies” (1:2a) and “testimony” (1:2b). Other ways to translate this word are:

testifier
-or-
one who speaks about what he knows
-or-
one who reports/explains

1:5b

the firstborn from the dead: This phrase also describes Jesus. This phrase uses the word firstborn in a figurative way. It indicates that God resurrected Jesus first, before other people.

This phrase also implies that God will resurrect other people later. Jesus has authority over all believers, just like a Jewish firstborn son had the position of authority over his brothers and sisters.

In some languages, a literal translation would not clearly indicate the figurative meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Explain the figure of speech in your translation. For example:

the firstborn ⌊in place/position and time⌋ from the dead
-or-
the first person ⌊to return⌋ from the dead ⌊permanently/forever⌋ ⌊and he also has the authority/position of a⌋ firstborn

Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

the first to be raised from death (Good News Translation)
-or-
was the first to conquer death (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the first to rise forever from the dead
-or-
the first one that ⌊God raised⌋ from death

You may then want to explain the literal word in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “firstborn.” This word indicates that God resurrected Jesus first, before other people. The word also implies that Jesus has authority over all believers, just like a Jewish firstborn son had the position of authority over his brothers and sisters.

1:5c

the ruler of the kings of the earth: This phrase also describes Jesus. It indicates that Jesus rules kings, chiefs, and all other rulers on earth. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the commander of all the rulers of the world (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
Jesus rules all the rulers on earth

General Comment on 1:4c–5c

This greeting is complicated. John asked God, the seven spirits, and Jesus to give grace and peace to the believers. He also described God, the seven spirits, and Jesus. In some languages it is more natural to:

First translate the three descriptions, and then translate what John wanted each one to do. For example:

4d May he who is, and who was, and who is to come, 4e the seven spirits before his throne, 5a and Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, 5b the firstborn from the dead, 5c and the ruler of the kings of the earth 4c give grace and peace to you.

You then would need to combine the verse marking for these verses as “4–5.”

Translate the first two descriptions as well as “Jesus Christ,” followed by what John wanted each one to do. Then translate the description of Jesus Christ. For example:

4d May he who is, and who was, and who is to come, 4e the seven spirits before his throne, 5a and Jesus Christ, 4c give grace and peace to you. 5a Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, 5b the firstborn from the dead, 5c and the ruler of the kings of the earth

You then would need to combine the verse marking for these verses as “4–5.”

Repeat the grace and peace blessing for each person/subject. For example:

4c Grace and peace to you 4d from him who is, and who was, and who is to come. 4eGrace and peace to you⌋ from the seven spirits before his throne. 5aGrace and peace to you⌋ from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, 5b the firstborn from the dead, 5c and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
-or-

4c–d May he who is, and who was, and who is to come give grace and peace to you. 4e May the seven spirits before his throne ⌊give grace and peace to you⌋ . 5a And may Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, 5b the firstborn from the dead, 5c and the ruler of the kings of the earth ⌊give grace and peace to you⌋ .
-or-

4c I pray that you will be blessed with kindness and peace 4d from God, who is and was and is coming. 4e May you receive kindness and peace from the seven spirits before the throne of God. 5a May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. 5b Jesus was the first to conquer death, 5c and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. (Contemporary English Version)

You may need to combine the verse marking for these verses as “4–5.”

Paragraph 1:5d–7

1:5d–6b

1:5d–1:6b is one long sentence. It includes a long description of Jesus (1:5d–1:6a). At the end of the sentence (1:6b), John described glory and power as belonging to Jesus. In some languages it is more natural to use two or more shorter sentences. For example:

5d
Jesus Christ⌋ loves us 5e and has freed us from our sins by his own blood. 6a He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to serve his God and Father. 6b To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

For an example of how to reorder the information in these clauses, see the General Comment at the end of the notes on 1:6b.

1:5d

To Him: The pronoun Him refers to Jesus as is made clear in 1:5e–6a.

loves: The word loves refers to a strong feeling of affection and concern for a person. It also refers to an attitude of actively seeking the good of another. Your language may have a word or idiom for saying this.

1:5e

has released us from our sins by His blood: There is a textual issue here about the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as released :

(1) Some Greek manuscripts have freed. For example:

released us from our sins by His blood (Berean Standard Bible, New American Standard Bible)

(2) Some Greek manuscripts have washed. For example:

washed us from our sins in his own blood (King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). The earliest Greek manuscripts support “freed/released.”

has released us from our sins: This phrase indicates that Jesus has released believers from their sins. They are no longer guilty in God’s eyes and no longer have to suffer God’s anger.

Some commentators suggest that the phrase also refers to believers no longer being under the power of sin. If possible, translate in a way that allows both meanings. For example:

has freed us from our sins ⌊and their power
-or-
released us from our sins (New American Standard Bible)

by His blood: Here the word blood refers figuratively to Jesus’ death. The phrase by His blood indicates that Jesus’ death was the way to free believers from their sins. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

by shedding his blood (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
by his sacrificial death (Good News Translation)
-or-
through his ⌊life/shed⌋ blood

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:6

1:6a

has made us to be a kingdom, priests: There are two issues here.

Issue 1—The Greek text

There is a textual issue here:

(1) The earliest Greek manuscripts have the word “kingdom.”

(2) Some later Greek manuscripts have the word “kings.

It is recommended that you follow option (1).

Issue 2—Meaning

The Greek words are literally “has made us to be a kingdom, priests” (as in the Berean Standard Bible). There are several ways to interpret the Greek phrase:

(1) It indicates that the words priests and kingdom describe the same thing, as in the Revised Standard Version.

(2) It indicates that the kingdom consists of priests. For example:

made us a kingdom of priests (Good News Translation)

(3) It indicates two things unconnected or only loosely connected with each other. He made his people to be a kingdom, and he also made them priests. For example:

He has made us his kingdom and his priests (New Living Translation (1996))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek words do not have “and” here, nor the grammar indicating “of.” Other ways to translate these words according to interpretation (1) are:

made us a kingdom, ⌊that is,⌋ priests
-or-
made us a kingdom. ⌊He also made us⌋ priests

made us to be a kingdom: These words mean “has caused us to become a united group under one king/leader.” God is the king. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

has caused us to become a nation/tribe/people-group
-or-
has appointed us as a kingdom (NET Bible)

priests to His God and Father: The Greek words are literally “priests to his God and Father” (as in the Berean Standard Bible). This is a metaphor. Believers are like priests.

They are like priests because they serve God as a way of life. They devote themselves to doing what God wants them to do. There are several ways to translate this figure of speech:

Keep the figure of speech. For example:

priests for God his Father (God’s Word)

Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

to become like priests of his Father God

Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

those who serve/worship God his Father

Keep the metaphor or simile priests and explain the meaning. For example:

priests serving his God and Father (NET Bible)

Translate this figure of speech in a way that makes the meaning clear in your language. Whether you are able to keep the figure of priests will depend partly on the role and function of priests in your culture. See the following note.

priests: A Jewish priest was a religious leader who:

(a) offered sacrifices to God for the people,

(b) led the people in worship, and

(c) taught the people about God.

Here the word priests refers figuratively to people who serve God as a way of life. They worship God and help others to worship him also. Since Jesus died on the cross as our sacrifice, Christians do not offer sacrifices. If your usual word or phrase for priests focuses on sacrificing animals and food, you should translate the figurative meaning of priests here. For example:

those who always serve God his Father
-or-
people doing his Father God’s will/desire as a way of life

His God and Father: The pronoun His refers to Jesus. The word Father refers to God. In your translation, make sure that it is clear that the phrases His God and Father both refer to the one true God. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

God his Father (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
his God and Father

1:6b

to Him be the glory and power: The Greek words are literally “to him glory and power.” There is no verb in the Greek. The Berean Standard Bible and many other English versions add the verb be. This phrase indicates that John agreed that Jesus had glory and power. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

to him is glory and power
-or-
he is the one who is great and who has power forever
-or-
glory and power belong to him

to Him: The pronoun Him refers to Jesus.

glory: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as glory here refers to the recognition of God having great status. He is greater than anything a person could think of.

power: This word refers to the ability and authority to cause things to happen. It does not refer to physical strength here. The Revised Standard Version translates it as:

dominion

forever and ever: The Greek words are “into the ages of the ages.” It means “always” or “eternally.” Other ways to translate this phrase are:

for evermore
-or-
for all ages to come

Amen: The word Amen is a Hebrew word that means “even so” or “it is true.” It is used to agree with what was said. The Greek borrowed the Hebrew word. English borrowed this word as well.

In some languages people are not familiar with this word. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Translate the meaning. For example:

It is so.
-or-
True!

Borrow this word and spell it as people in your language would say it. You may then want to explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

The word “amen” means “even so” or “it is true.”

General Comment on 1:5d–6b

These clauses contain a description of Jesus Christ and what he has done (1:5d–6a), followed by a call to praise him (1:6b). In some languages it is more natural to translate 1:6b first, and then tell about who Jesus is and what he did (1:5d–6a). For example:

6b Glory and power be to him! 5d He has loved us 5e and shed his blood to free us from our sins! 6a And he has made us into a kingdom, priests to serve his God and Father!

If you do this, you will need to combine the verses as “5–6.”

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:7

1:7a

Behold: The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. The word is also used here in a somewhat literal sense, because when Jesus does come, people will indeed see him. Translate this in a way that is natural in your language for talking about a wonderful or amazing event that people will see. Other ways to translate this word are:

Hey/Wow
-or-
Remember/Consider this:

He is coming with the clouds: The pronoun He refers to Jesus Christ here. John named him in 1:5a. In some languages it is more natural to translate the pronoun He using his name because of the many words used following the mention of his name in 1:5a. For example:

Jesus is coming with the clouds (New Century Version)

This clause is similar to prophecies in the Gospels, including Matthew 24:30. This clause is also similar to Daniel 7:13. You may want a footnote to explain the connection to those prophecies. An example footnote is:

This clause is like the prophecy in Matthew 24:30. It is also similar to Daniel 7:13.

He is coming: This phrase uses the present tense. John used the present tense to emphasize that Jesus is definitely coming soon. However, the rest of the verse uses the future tense. In some languages it is more natural to use the future tense here also. For example:

He will definitely come soon

with the clouds: This phrase indicates that clouds will be near Jesus as he returns. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

on the clouds (Good News Translation)
-or-
in company with the clouds

1:7b

every eye will see Him: The phrase every eye is an idiom that means “everyone.” For example:

everyone will see him (New Century Version)

1:7c

even: Here the word even means “including” (as in the Good News Translation).

those who pierced Him: This phrase comes from Zechariah 12:10. Here it refers to the soldiers who pierced Jesus with nails and to the soldier who pierced him with a spear. But the phrase also refers to the leaders who ordered the soldiers to pierce him. More generally, it includes all people who are enemies of Jesus (John 19:34, 37).

In some languages it is more natural to say how people pierced Jesus. But the important point is that these people caused Jesus to die. For example:

those who pierced his skin ⌊with nails and spear
-or-
those who nailed him to a cross ⌊so that he would die
-or-
the people who caused him to die by nailing him to a cross

1:7d

all the tribes of the earth: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tribes refers to people grouped by language or culture. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

all peoples of the earth (New International Version)
-or-
all the people-groups of the world

mourn: This word refers to being very sad or grieving. Other ways to translate this word are:

grieve
-or-
have great sorrow

because of Him: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because of :

(1) It indicates that he is the reason they mourn, but it leaves unclear the question of why he is the reason they mourn. For example, it may be that he is coming to judge them, or it may be that they are sad that he suffered. For example:

on account of him (Revised Standard Version)

(2) It indicates here that the people mourn because they are sad that Jesus suffered. For example:

over him (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek allows for several reasons for the people to mourn. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

on account of ⌊seeing⌋ him
-or-
regarding him
-or-
because ⌊they rejected⌋ him

1:7e

So shall it be! Amen: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So shall it be! is literally “Yes!” Like the word Amen, the word “yes” is used to express agreement that something is true. The two words are used together to emphasize that John strongly agreed. Other ways to translate these words are:

Yes! Amen! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Even so. Amen. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Indeed! True!

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:8

Paragraph 1:8

1:8a

I am the Alpha and the Omega:
Alpha is the name of the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is the name of the last letter of that alphabet. Here the phrase the Alpha and the Omega is used as a title. It is also a figure of speech. So this saying indicates that:

(a) God is eternal.

(b) He has authority over the beginning and the end of all things. This implies that everything in between the beginning and the end is also under his authority. He has control over all things and events.

In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

I am ⌊the One with authority over⌋ the first ⌊things⌋ and the last ⌊things
-or-
I am the One with all authority from start to finish
-or-
I am the start and the finish

You may then want to indicate the literal words and its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “the Alpha and the Omega.” Alpha and Omega are the names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This phrase is an idiom. It indicates that God exists eternally and has authority over all things.

Substitute the first and the last letters of your own alphabet. For example:

I am the A and the Z (God’s Word)

You may then want to indicate the literal words and its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “the Alpha and the Omega.” Alpha and Omega are the names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This phrase is an idiom. It indicates that God exists eternally and controls all things.

Translate literally and explain its meaning in your translation. For example:

I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I am the Alpha and the Omega, ⌊which means I am the One with authority over the first things and the last things
-or-
I am the Alpha and the Omega, ⌊that is, the One who is in control from start to finish

Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Alpha and Omega are the names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This phrase is an idiom. It indicates that God exists eternally and controls all things.

This title is similar in meaning to the titles “The First and the Last” (1:17, 2:8, 22:13) and “The Beginning and End” (21:6, 22:13). If possible, you should translate the three titles in similar but different ways. This is helpful, since all three titles occur in 22:13.

I: The pronoun I is emphasized in the Greek. If you have a natural way to emphasize the pronoun I here, you may want to do so.

says the Lord God: The Berean Standard Bible places the phrase says the Lord God after what God said. The Berean Standard Bible also places the verb says before the phrase the Lord God. That order is a poetic English style. The Berean Standard Bible word order follows the Greek word order literally. You should place this phrase where it is most natural in your language.

says: John probably used the present tense to indicate that God always describes himself as the Alpha and the Omega.

the Lord God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “the one in authority over (others),” or “owner.” Here the word is used to indicate that God has authority over all things. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

God the Lord
-or-
Sovereign God

1:8b

who is and was and is to come—the Almighty: There are two ways to interpret who spoke these words:

(1) Here John spoke about God. Versions that follow this interpretation do not put quotation marks around these words. For example:

the one who is, and who was, and who is still to come—the All-Powerful! (NET Bible)

(2) Here God continued speaking about himself. Versions that follow this interpretation put quotation marks around these words. For example:

“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because 1:8a uses “I” but 1:8b uses a word ending that means “he.”

who is and was and is to come: Translate this saying as you did in 1:4.

the Almighty: The word Almighty means “the one with the power to do anything.” This is a title for God. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the God of all power
-or-
the one who has all power

To translate naturally in your language, you may need to put this title in a separate sentence. For example:

He is the Almighty.

© 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.