Teks -- Revelation 1:5 (NET)

1:5 and from Jesus Christ– the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: Rev 1:5 - Who is the faithful witness

Who is the faithful witness ( ho martus ho pistos ).

"The witness the faithful,"nominative in apposition like prōtotokos and archōn with the preceding ablative Iēsou Christou with apo , a habit of John in this book (apparently on purpose) as in Rev 2:13, Rev 2:20; Rev 3:12, etc. See this same phrase in Rev 2:13; Rev 3:14. The use of martus of Jesus here is probably to the witness (Rev 1:1) in this book (Rev 22:16.), not to the witness of Jesus before Pilate (1Ti 6:13).

Robertson: Rev 1:5 - The first-born of the dead

The first-born of the dead ( ho prōtotokos tōn nekrōn ).

A Jewish Messianic title (Psa 89:27) and as in Col 1:18 refers to priority in the resurrection to be followed by others. See Luk 2:7 for the word.

Robertson: Rev 1:5 - The ruler of the kings of the earth

The ruler of the kings of the earth ( ho archōn tōn basileōn tēs gēs ).

Jesus by his resurrection won lordship over the kings of earth (Rev 17:14; Rev 19:16), what the devil offered him by surrender (Mat 4:8.).

Robertson: Rev 1:5 - Unto him that loveth us

Unto him that loveth us ( tōi agapōnti hēmās ).

Dative of the articular present (not aorist agapēsanti ) active participle of agapaō in a doxology to Christ, the first of many others to God and to Christ (Rev 1:6; Rev 4:11; Rev 5:9, Rev 5:12.; Rev 7:10, Rev 7:12, etc.). For the thought see Joh 3:16.

Robertson: Rev 1:5 - Loosed

Loosed ( lusanti ).

First aorist active participle of luō (Aleph A C), though some MSS. (P Q) read lousanti (washed), a manifest correction. Note the change of tense. Christ loosed us once for all, but loves us always.

Robertson: Rev 1:5 - By his blood

By his blood ( en tōi haimati autou ).

As in Rev 5:9. John here as in the Gospel and Epistles states plainly and repeatedly the place of the blood of Christ in the work of redemption.

Vincent: Rev 1:5 - Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ

The Son. Placed after the Spirit because what is to follow in Rev 1:5-8 relates to Him. This is according to John's manner of arranging his thoughts so that a new sentence shall spring out of the final thought of the preceding sentence. Compare the Prologue of the Gospel, and Rev 1:1, Rev 1:2, of this chapter.

Vincent: Rev 1:5 - The faithful witness

The faithful witness ( ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστὸς )

For the phraseology see on 1Jo 4:9. For witness , see on Joh 1:7; see on 1Pe 5:1. As applied to the Messiah, see Psa 89:37; Isa 55:4. The construction again departs from the grammatical rule. The words witness , first-born , ruler , are in the nominative case, instead of being in the genitive, in apposition with Jesus Christ . This construction, though irregular, nevertheless gives dignity and emphasis to these titles of the Lord. See on Rev 1:4. The word πιστὸς , faithful is used (1), of one who shows Himself faithful in the discharge of a duty or the administration of a trust (Mat 24:45; Luk 12:42). Hence, trustworthy (1Co 7:25; 2Ti 2:2). Of things that can be relied upon (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11). (2), Confiding; trusting; a believer (Gal 3:9; Act 16:1; 2Co 6:15; 1Ti 5:16). See on 1Jo 1:9. The word is combined with ἀληθινός , true , genuine in Rev 3:14; Rev 19:11; Rev 21:5; Rev 22:6. Richard of St. Victor (cited by Trench) says: " A faithful witness, because He gave faithful testimony concerning all things which were to be testified to by Him in the world. A faithful witness, because whatever He heard from the Father, He faithfully made known to His disciples. A faithful witness, because He taught the way of God in truth, neither did He care for any one nor regard the person of men. A faithful witness, because He announced condemnation to the reprobate and salvation to the elect. A faithful witness, because He confirmed by miracles the truth which He taught in words. A faithful witness, because He denied not, even in death, the Father's testimony to Himself. A faithful witness, because He will give testimony in the day of judgment concerning the works of the good and of the evil."

Vincent: Rev 1:5 - The first-begotten of the dead

The first-begotten of the dead ( ὁ πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν )

Rev., the first-born . The best texts omit ἐκ from . Compare Col 1:18. The risen Christ regarded in His relation to the dead in Christ. He was not the first who rose from the dead, but the first who so rose that death was thenceforth impossible for Him (Rom 6:9); rose with that resurrection-life in which He will finally bring with Him those who sleep in Him (1Th 4:14). Some interpreters, rendering first-born , find in the phrase the metaphor of death as the womb which bare Him (see on Act 2:24). Others, holding by the rendering first-begotten , connect the passage with Psa 2:7, which by Paul is connected with the resurrection of Christ (Act 13:32, Act 13:33). Paul also says that Jesus " was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead" (Rom 1:4). The verb τίκτω which is one of the components of πρωτότοκος first-begotten or born , is everywhere in the New Testament used in the sense of to bear or to bring forth , and has nowhere the meaning beget , unless Jam 1:15 be an exception, on which see note. In classical Greek the meaning beget is common.

Vincent: Rev 1:5 - The Ruler of the kings of the earth

The Ruler of the kings of the earth ( ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς )

Through resurrection He passes to glory and dominion (Phi 2:9). The comparison with the kings of the earth is suggested by Psa 2:2. Compare Psa 89:27; Isa 52:15; 1Ti 6:16; and see Rev 6:15; Rev 17:4; Rev 19:16.

Vincent: Rev 1:5 - Unto Him that loved

Unto Him that loved ( τῳ ἀγαπήσαντι )

The true reading is ἀγαπῶντι that loveth . So Rev. Christ's love is ever present See Joh 13:1.

Vincent: Rev 1:5 - Washed

Washed ( λούσαντι )

Read λύσαντι loosed . Trench remarks on the variation of readings as having grown out of a play on the words λουτρόν , a bathing , and λύτρον a ransom , both of which express the central benefits which redound to us through the sacrifice and death of Christ. He refers to this play upon words as involved in the etymology of the name Apollo as given by Plato; viz., the washer (ὁ ἀπολούων ) and the absolver (ὁ ἀπολύων ) from all impurities. Either reading falls in with a beautiful circle of imagery. If washed , compare Psa 51:2; Isa 1:16, Isa 1:18; Eze 36:25; Act 22:16; Eph 5:26; Tit 3:5. If loosed , compare Mat 20:28; 1Ti 2:6; 1Pe 1:18; Heb 9:12; Gal 3:13; Gal 4:5; Rev 5:9; Rev 14:3, Rev 14:4.

Wesley: Rev 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth

Three glorious appellations are here given him, and in their proper order. He was the faithful witness of the whole will of God before his death, and in death, and remains such in glory. He rose from the dead, as "the first fruits of them that slept;" and now hath all power both in heaven and earth. He is here styled a prince: but by and by he hears his title of king; yea, King of kings, and Lord of lords." This phrase, the kings of the earth, signifies their power and multitude, and also the nature of their kingdom. It became the Divine Majesty to call them kings with a limitation; especially in this manifesto from his heavenly kingdom; for no creature, much less a sinful man, can bear the title of king in an absolute sense before the eyes of God.

JFB: Rev 1:5 - the faithful witness

Of the truth concerning Himself and His mission as Prophet, Priest, and King Saviour. "He was the faithful witness, because all things that He heard of the Father He faithfully made known to His disciples. Also, because He taught the way of God in truth, and cared not for man, nor regarded the persons of men. Also, because the truth which He taught in words He confirmed by miracles. Also, because the testimony to Himself on the part of the Father He denied not even in death. Lastly, because He will give true testimony of the works of good and bad at the day of judgment" [RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR in TRENCH]. The nominative in Greek standing in apposition to the genitive, "Jesus Christ," gives majestic prominence to "the faithful witness."

JFB: Rev 1:5 - the first-begotten of the dead

(Col 1:18). Lazarus rose, to die again. Christ rose to die no more. The image is not as if the grave was the womb of His resurrection-birth [ALFORD]; but as Act 13:33; Rom 1:4, treat Christ's resurrection as the epoch and event which fulfilled the Scripture, Psa 2:7, "This day (at the resurrection) have I begotten Thee." It was then that His divine Sonship as the God-man was manifested and openly attested by the Father. So our resurrection and our manifested sonship, or generation, are connected. Hence "regeneration" is used of the resurrection-state at the restitution of all things (Mat 19:28).

JFB: Rev 1:5 - the prince

Or Ruler. The kingship of the world which the tempter offered to Jesus on condition of doing homage to him, and so shunning the cross, He has obtained by the cross. "The kings of the earth" conspired against the Lord's Anointed (Psa 2:2): these He shall break in pieces (Psa 2:9). Those who are wise in time and kiss the Son shall bring their glory unto Him at His manifestation as King of kings, after He has destroyed His foes.

JFB: Rev 1:5 - Unto him that loved us

The oldest manuscripts read the present, ". . . loveth us." It is His ever-continuing character, He loveth us, and ever shall love us. His love rests evermore on His people.

JFB: Rev 1:5 - washed us

The two oldest manuscripts read, "freed (loosed as from a bond) us": so ANDREAS and PRIMASIUS. One very old manuscript, Vulgate, and Coptic read as English Version, perhaps drawn from Rev 7:4. "Loosed us in (virtue of) His blood," being the harder reading to understand, is less likely to have come from the transcribers. The reference is thus to Greek, "lutron," the ransom paid for our release (Mat 20:28). In favor of English Version reading is the usage whereby the priests, before putting on the holy garments and ministering, washed themselves: so spiritually believers, as priests unto God, must first be washed in Christ's blood from every stain before they can serve God aright now, or hereafter minister as dispensers of blessing to the subject nations in the millennial kingdom, or minister before God in heaven.

Clarke: Rev 1:5 - The faithful witness

The faithful witness - The true teacher, whose testimony is infallible, and whose sayings must all come to pass

Clarke: Rev 1:5 - The first-begotten of the dead

The first-begotten of the dead - See the note on Col 1:18

Clarke: Rev 1:5 - The prince of the kings

The prince of the kings - Ὁ αρχων, The chief or head, of all earthly potentates; who has them all under his dominion and control, and can dispose of them as he will

Clarke: Rev 1:5 - Unto him that loved us

Unto him that loved us - This should begin a new verse, as it is the commencement of a new subject. Our salvation is attributed to the love of God, who gave his Son; and to the love of Christ, who died for us. See Joh 3:16

Clarke: Rev 1:5 - Washed us from our sins

Washed us from our sins - The redemption of the soul, with the remission of sins, and purification from unrighteousness, is here, as in all the New Testament, attributed to the blood of Christ shed on the cross for man.

Defender: Rev 1:5 - kings of the earth

Jesus Christ is anointed Prophet, Priest and King. As the "faithful witness," or "martyr," He shed His blood for our sins. As "the firstborn from the dead" (Col 1:18), He is our great "high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedec" (Heb 6:20). As the prince of earthly kings, He is also "Lord of lords, and King of kings" (Rev 17:14)."

TSK: Rev 1:5 - who is // and the first // and the prince // him // washed

who is : Rev 3:14; Psa 89:36, Psa 89:37; Isa 55:4; Joh 3:11, Joh 3:32, Joh 8:14-16, Joh 18:37; 1Ti 6:13; 1Jo 5:7-10

and the first : Act 26:23; 1Co 15:20-23; Col 1:18

and the prince : Rev 11:15, Rev 17:14, Rev 19:16; Psa 72:11, Psa 89:27; Pro 8:15, Pro 8:16; Dan 2:2, Dan 7:14; Mat 28:18; Eph 1:20-22; 1Ti 6:15

him : Deu 7:8, Deu 23:5; Joh 13:1, Joh 13:34, Joh 15:9; Rom 8:37; Gal 2:20; Eph 2:4, Eph 5:2, Eph 5:25-27; 1Jo 4:10

washed : Rev 7:14; Zec 13:1; Joh 13:8-10; Act 20:28; 1Co 6:11; Heb 9:14; 1Pe 1:19; 1Jo 1:7

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Rev 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness // And the first begotten of the dead // And the prince of the kings of the earth // Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness: here is an express mention of Jesus Christ, because he was the procurer of our redemption, and our Mediator, to whom the Father committed all power as to the church. He is called the faithful and true witness; 1Ti 6:13 , he witnessed a good confession before Pontius Plate; he bare record of himself, Joh 8:13,14 : see also Isa 43:10 55:4 Joh 18:37 .

And the first begotten of the dead that is, who first rose from the dead, viz. by his own power, Joh 10:18 , and to die no more: see Act 13:34 1Co 15:20 .

And the prince of the kings of the earth: the King of kings, Rev 17:14 19:16 1Ti 6:15 . The first name here given to Christ speaketh his prophetical office, the second his priestly office, this last his kingly office.

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood: here begins a doxology, or giving glory to Christ, (such forms are frequent in the Epistles), first, as he that washed us from our sins, both from the guilt and from the power and dominion of our sins, with his blood, paying a price, and satisfying God’ s justice for, and meriting our sanctification: see Heb 9:14 1Jo 1:7 .

PBC: Rev 1:5 - faithful

John tells us something about the One from whom he received The Revelation; "Jesus Christ" the "faithful witness," "the first begotten of the dead," "prince of the kings of the earth," who "loved us," "and washed us from our sins in his own blood"

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"faithful"

There is none more faithful than Jesus Christ. If there is a witness, who is worthy of sending this message to His Church, let that one now be named. " Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house."  {Heb 3:1-3} His faithfulness is shown in the promise of the resurrection, in which He was shown to be the first begotten from the dead! Being Prince of the kings of the earth, He is King of kings. He loved us even while we were dead in trespasses and sins. {See Eph 2:1} He washed us by His blood and cleansed us from all iniquity. Surely we must say that one who loved us so much and gave Himself for us is a faithful witness in things concerning our warfare while here in the earth.

Eld. Charles Taylor

Haydock: Rev 1:4-6 - John to the seven churches // From him, who is, who was, and who is to come // And from the seven spirits // Spirits // And from Jesus Christ // The first begotten of the dead // The prince of the kings of the earth // And // And // To him be

John to the seven churches, [1] afterwards named; and by them, to be understood of all churches, bishops, and people in the like dispositions. ---

From him, who is, who was, and who is to come. As these words are only applied, and applicable to him, who is truly God and eternal, Alcazar (p. 176) applies them to God the Father. Others think them to be spoken of God, as the word God agrees to all the three divine Persons, who are one and the same God. See Ribera. ---

And from the seven spirits. Alcazar understands them of seven of God's attributes, or perfections, but, by the common exposition, are meant seven of the chief created spirits, who in a special manner assist at the throne of God, employed to execute God's commands, as Raphael saith. (Tobit. xii. 15.) I am one of the seven who stand before God. (Witham) ---

Spirits, &c. Some understand this of the Holy Ghost, on account of his seven gifts; but the most literal interpretation is of the principal Angles, who always surround the throne of God, and are his ministering spirits. (Calmet) ---

And from Jesus Christ, [2] made man, and the Redeemer of mankind, whom St. John here names after the seven spirits, because he continues his discourse about Christ, who is the faithful witness; testified and approved of God by so many miracles, prophecies, &c. He is the chief of the martyrs or witnesses, as the Greek word signifies. ---

The first begotten of the dead, both first in dignity, and first that rose to an immortal life. ---

The prince of the kings of the earth, whose power is infinetely greater than all theirs; and this to put the suffering Christians in mind, that they needed not to fear the persecuting emperors, who have no power after this life. ---

And Christ hath made us a kingdom, inasmuch as by his grace he has made us members of his true Church, called the kingdom of God, and promised us to reign with him in his glorious kingdom in heaven. ---

And hath made us priests to God, and his Father, to offer up spiritual sacrifices. See 1 Peter ii. 9. ---

To him be, or is due, glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen . That is, to Jesus Christ. (Witham)

Haydock: Rev 1:5

[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

Qui est testis fidelis, Greek: o martus o pistos. Martyr ille fidelis.

Gill: Rev 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ // the faithful witness // the first begotten of the dead // and the Prince of the kings of the earth // unto him that hath loved us // and washed us from our sins in his own blood

And from Jesus Christ,.... Who, though the second Person in the Trinity, is mentioned last, because many things were to be said of him; and who is described in all his offices: in his prophetic office,

the faithful witness; as he is of his Father, of his mind and will, with respect to doctrine and worship; of his truth and faithfulness in his promises; and of his love, grace, and mercy, to his chosen; and of himself, of his true deity, proper sonship, and perfect equality with the Father; of his Messiahship, and of salvation through his obedience, sufferings, and death; and of all truth in general, to which he has bore a faithful testimony several ways, in his ministry, by his miracles, at his death, and by the shedding of his blood to seal it; by his Spirit since, and by the ministers of his word: he is described in his priestly office be

the first begotten of the dead: being the first that rose from the dead by his own power, and to an immortal life; for though some few were raised before him, yet not by themselves, nor to live for ever, but to die again. Moreover, he is the firstfruits of the resurrection, the pledge and earnest of it, as well as the efficient cause and exemplar of it. This character supposes that he died, as he did, for the sins of his people; and that he rose again from the dead, as he did, for their justification; and that he rose first as their head and representative, and opened the way of life for them. And he is described in his kingly office, for it follows,

and the Prince of the kings of the earth: which is not to be understood figuratively of the saints, who have power over sin, Satan, and the world, through the efficacious grace of Christ, and of whom he is Prince or King; but literally of the kings and princes of this world, over whom Christ is King and Lord, who receive their crowns and kingdoms from him, and rule by him, and are accountable to him, as they one day must be. Next follows a doxology, or an ascription of glory to him,

unto him that hath loved us; his own, his people, his church, his chosen, and who are given him by his Father; these he has loved with an everlasting and unchangeable love, with a love of complacency and delight, which passes knowledge, and will never end: and which he has shown in espousing their persons, undertaking their cause, assuming their nature, and in nothing more than in giving himself for them as a propitiatory sacrifice, or in dying and shedding his precious blood for them, as is next expressed:

and washed us from our sins in his own blood; which shows that these persons were loved before washed; they were not first washed, and then loved, but first loved, and then washed. Love was the cause of washing, and not washing the cause of love; hence it appears that they were in themselves filthy, and unclean through sin; and that they could not cleanse themselves by anything they could do; and that such was the love of Christ to them, that he shed his precious blood for them, which is a fountain opened, to wash in for sin, and which cleanses from all sin. This is to be understood, not of the sanctification of their natures, which is the work of the Spirit, but of atonement for their sins, and justification from them by the blood of Christ, whereby they are so removed, that they are all fair, and without spot. It is afterwards said, that these same persons are made priests; and it may be observed, that the priests were always washed, before they performed their service, as such ⁿ. The Alexandrian copy and the Syriac and Arabic versions read, "and hath loosed us from our sins in", or "by his blood"; that is, from the guilt of them, which was bound upon them,