Rev 1:5-6 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 5. The faithful witness ] The true teacher, whose testimony is infallible, and whose sayings must all come to pass. The first-begotten of the dead ] . The prince of the kings ] οαρχων, 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. 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 . 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 .

‏ Revelation of John 1:5-6

Verse 5. The faithful witness] The true teacher, whose testimony is infallible, and whose sayings must all come to pass.

The first-begotten of the dead] See Clarke on Col 1:18.

The prince of the kings] οαρχων, 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.

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.

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.

Verse 6. Kings and priests] See on 1Pe 2:5, 9. But instead of βασιλειςκαιιερεις, kings and priests the most reputable MSS., versions, and fathers have βασιλειανιερεις, a kingdom and priests; i.e. a kingdom of priests, or a royal priesthood. The regal and sacerdotal dignities are the two highest that can possibly exist among men; and these two are here mentioned to show the glorious prerogatives and state of the children of God.

To him be glory] That is, to Christ; for it is of him that the prophet speaks, and of none other.

For ever and ever] ειςτουςαιωναςτωναιωνων To ages of ages; or rather, through all indefinite periods; through all time, and through eternity.

Amen.] A word of affirmation and approbation; so it shall be, and so it ought to be.