Rev 1:2-3 | RWP | e4.org | Bare witness ( εμαρτυρησεν ). First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω , which, along with μαρτυς and μαρτυρια , is common in all the Johannine books (cf. , ), usually with περ or οτ , but with cognate accusative as here in , ; . Epistolary aorist here, referring to this book. The word of God ( τον λογον του θεου ). Subjective genitive, given by God. The prophetic word as in ; ; , not the personal Word as in . The testimony of Jesus Christ ( την μαρτυριαν Ιησου Χριστου ). Subjective genitive again, borne witness to by Jesus Christ. Even of all the things that he saw ( οσα ειδεν ). Relative clause in apposition with λογον and μαρτυριαν .

‏ Revelation of John 1:2-3

Bare witness ( εμαρτυρησεν ). First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω, which, along with μαρτυς and μαρτυρια, is common in all the Johannine books (cf. 22:18, 20), usually with περ or οτ, but with cognate accusative as here in 22:16, 20; 1Jo 5:10. Epistolary aorist here, referring to this book.

The word of God ( τον λογον του θεου ). Subjective genitive, given by God. The prophetic word as in 1:9; 6:9; 20:4, not the personal Word as in 19:14.

The testimony of Jesus Christ ( την μαρτυριαν Ιησου Χριστου ). Subjective genitive again, borne witness to by Jesus Christ.

Even of all the things that he saw ( οσα ειδεν ). Relative clause in apposition with λογον and μαρτυριαν.

Blessed ( μακαριος ). As in Mt 5:3ff. This endorses the book as a whole.

He that readeth ( ο αναγινωσκων ). Present active singular articular participle of αναγινωσκω (as in Lu 4:16). Christians in their public worship followed the Jewish custom of public reading of the Scriptures (2Co 3:14f.). The church reader ( αναγνωστης, lector) gradually acquired an official position. John expects this book to be read in each of the seven churches mentioned (1:4) and elsewhere. Today the public reading of the Bible is an important part of worship that is often poorly done.

They that hear ( ο ακουοντες ). Present active plural articular participle of ακουω (the audience).

And keep ( κα τηρουντες ). Present active participle of τηρεω, a common Johannine word (1Jo 2:4, etc.). Cf. Mt 7:24. "The content of the Apocalypse is not merely prediction; moral counsel and religious instruction are the primary burdens of its pages" (Moffatt).

Written ( γεγραμμενα ). Perfect passive participle of γραφω.

For the time is at hand ( ο γαρ καιρος εγγυς ). Reason for listening and keeping. On καιρος see Mt 12:1, time of crisis as in 1Co 7:29. How near εγγυς (at hand) is we do not know any more than we do about εν ταχε (shortly) in 1:1.