Revelation 1:3

 

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
Revelation 1:3 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Revelation 1:3 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy aloud, and blessed are those who hear and obey the things written in it, because the time is near!
Revelation 1:3 New English Translation (NET)
 
Blessed is the one who reads aloud
The word "blessed" in Greek is "makarios," which conveys a sense of happiness or divine favor. In the context of Revelation, this blessing is not just a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual joy that comes from being in alignment with God's will. The act of reading aloud was significant in the early church, as many believers were illiterate, and the public reading of Scripture was a primary means of disseminating God's Word. This phrase emphasizes the importance of engaging with Scripture actively and communally, suggesting that there is a special grace imparted to those who proclaim God's Word.
 
the words of this prophecy
The term "prophecy" in Greek is "prophēteia," which refers to a divinely inspired message or revelation. In the biblical context, prophecy is not merely about predicting the future but is a message from God that calls for a response. The Book of Revelation is a prophetic text that reveals God's ultimate plan for humanity and the world. This phrase underscores the divine origin and authority of the message, inviting readers to approach it with reverence and openness to its transformative power.
 
and blessed are those who hear
Hearing, in the biblical sense, goes beyond the physical act of listening. The Greek word "akouō" implies understanding and obedience. In the ancient world, hearing was often synonymous with obeying, as true hearing involved a response. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of worship and the importance of being attentive to God's Word. It suggests that there is a blessing for those who not only hear the words but also internalize and act upon them.
 
and obey
The Greek word for "obey" is "tēreō," which means to keep, guard, or observe. It implies a careful and diligent adherence to what has been heard. In the context of Revelation, obedience is a key theme, as the book calls believers to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations. This phrase emphasizes the necessity of living out the teachings of Scripture, suggesting that true blessing comes from aligning one's life with God's commands.
 
what is written in it
The phrase "what is written" underscores the authority and permanence of the biblical text. In the ancient world, written documents were considered binding and authoritative. This phrase reminds readers of the enduring nature of God's Word and its relevance across time and cultures. It calls believers to take seriously the teachings and warnings contained within the book, recognizing them as divinely inspired and eternally significant.
 
because the time is near
The Greek word for "time" is "kairos," which refers to a specific, opportune moment rather than chronological time. The phrase "the time is near" conveys a sense of urgency and imminence. In the context of Revelation, it serves as a reminder that God's plan is unfolding, and believers must be prepared for the fulfillment of His promises. This phrase encourages a posture of readiness and anticipation, urging Christians to live with an eternal perspective and a sense of expectancy for Christ's return.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy:
 
This part emphasizes the act of reading the Book of Revelation out loud. In the context of the time, reading aloud was a common practice, especially in communal settings like churches, where literacy might not have been widespread. The act of reading this prophecy aloud is considered a blessed act, suggesting that there is a special grace or favor bestowed upon the reader.
 
Blessed are those who hear it:
 
This extends the blessing to the listeners. It implies that merely hearing the prophecy (which would include understanding and contemplating its content) also carries a blessing. This could be seen as an encouragement for communal reading and study, fostering a collective spiritual experience.
 
Take to heart what is written in it:
 
This is an invitation not just to hear but to deeply engage with the prophecy, to internalize and reflect upon its messages. It's about living according to the insights and warnings provided in Revelation.
 
Because the time is near:
 
This statement adds urgency to the reading and understanding of the text. It suggests that the events described in Revelation are imminent or relevant in some immediate way. This phrase has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, often in relation to contemporary events or eschatological expectations.
 
Theologically, this verse serves several purposes:
 
Encouragement for study: It promotes the active study of the apocalyptic literature, which can be complex and symbolic.
 
Community building: By blessing both the reader and the hearer, it fosters a sense of community where the sharing of scriptural insights is valued.
 
Urgency and relevance: It underscores the belief that the messages in Revelation have immediate or near-future implications for believers, urging them to live in accordance with its teachings.
 
This verse sets the tone for the Book of Revelation, emphasizing its importance, the blessings it can bring, and the need for its message to be taken seriously in light of the perceived nearness of the events it describes.
 
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Blessed is he that readeth,.... This book the Revelation, privately, in his closet or family, carefully and diligently, with a desire of understanding it; or publicly in the church of God, and endeavours open and explain it to others; and may allude to the reading of the law and the prophets in the synagogues, which were not barely read, but expounded; see Act_13:15; and the rather this may be thought to be the sense of the words, since there is a change of number in the next clause,
 
and they that hear the words of this prophecy; that listen attentively to the reading and exposition of this book, and have ears to hear, so as to understand the prophecies contained in it: for the whole, when delivered to John, was a prophecy of things to come: but some versions read the number alike in both clauses; as either, "blessed is he that readeth, and he that heareth", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions; or "blessed are they that read, and they that hear", as the Arabic version:
 
and keep those things which are written therein; the last version adds, "concerning this frail world"; who not only read, and hear, but put in practice what they read and hear; for there are some things in this book which are of a practical nature, especially in the epistles to the seven churches; or the sense is, happy are those persons that observe, and take notice of what is written herein, and meditate upon them, and well weigh them in their minds, and retain them in their memories. Now, though eternal happiness does not depend upon, nor is procured by any of these means, as reading, hearing, and observing; yet there is a real happiness, a true pleasure, that does attend these things, which may stir up to a regard unto them; and for which purpose the following words are added:
 
for the time is at hand; when thee things should begin to be fulfilled.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
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Revelation style of literature known as Apocalyptic. Apocalyptic literature is a genre of writing that predicts cataclysmic events and the ultimate destiny of the world, often through divine revelation. This genre is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition and typically features:
 
Pseudonymous authorship: The works are often attributed to ancient figures to lend them authority.
Narrative form: They tell a story, usually involving visions or dreams.
Esoteric language: The language is symbolic and often difficult to interpret.
Pessimistic view of the present: These texts often depict the current world as corrupt or doomed.
Imminent final events: They focus on the end times and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
 
The highly symbolic nature of this style of literature is often used, not simply as a means to prophesy about the future but harangue current powers without them realizing that it is about them. At the point in time Revelation was written, Rome was the great power in the world and, as far as the Jews and Christians were concerned, the greatest evil in the world as well. The difficulty the author presents us with is trying to understand whether certain passages are about the distant future, the near future, about Rome, or about something else.