Revelation 1:11
New International Version
which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

New Living Translation
It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

English Standard Version
saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Berean Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Berean Literal Bible
saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

King James Bible
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

New King James Version
saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

New American Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

NASB 1995
saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

NASB 1977
saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Legacy Standard Bible
saying, “Write in a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Amplified Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see [in this revelation], and send it to the seven churches—to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

American Standard Version
saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Contemporary English Version
The voice said, "Write in a book what you see. Then send it to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

English Revised Version
saying, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
saying, "Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

Good News Translation
It said, "Write down what you see, and send the book to the churches in these seven cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

International Standard Version
saying, "Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

Majority Standard Bible
saying, [[“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and,]] “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

NET Bible
saying: "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

New Heart English Bible
saying, "What you see, write on a scroll and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Webster's Bible Translation
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Weymouth New Testament
It said, "Write forthwith in a roll an account of what you see, and send it to the seven Churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyateira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."

World English Bible
saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “Write what you see in a scroll, and send [it] to the seven assemblies that [are] in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

Berean Literal Bible
saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Young's Literal Translation
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last;' and, 'What thou dost see, write in a scroll, and send to the seven assemblies that are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.'

Smith's Literal Translation
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send to the seven churches which in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saying: What thou seest, write in a book, and send to the seven churches which are in Asia, to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamus, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Catholic Public Domain Version
saying, “What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven Churches, which are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamus, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

New American Bible
which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

New Revised Standard Version
saying, “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches; to Eph'e-sus, and to Smyrna, and to Per’ga-mos, and to Thy-ati’ra, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to La-od-i-ce’a.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Which said, “Those things which you have seen, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesaus, to Zmurna, to Pergamaus, to Thawatyra, to Sardis, to Philadelphia and to Laidiqia.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
saying: What you see, write in a book, and send to the seven churches; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Godbey New Testament
saying, Write what you are seeing in a book, and send it to the seven churches; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Haweis New Testament
saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last; and what thou seest write in a book, and send to the churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Mace New Testament
saying, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, what you shall see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Weymouth New Testament
It said, "Write forthwith in a roll an account of what you see, and send it to the seven Churches--to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyateira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."

Worrell New Testament
saying, "What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven assemblies; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Worsley New Testament
saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last; and, What thou seest write in a book, and send it to the seven churches in Asia, to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
John's Vision on Patmos
10On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,…

Cross References
Revelation 1:19
Therefore write down the things you have seen, the things that are, and the things that will happen after this.

Revelation 22:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Isaiah 44:6
Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.

Isaiah 41:4
Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last—I am He.”

Isaiah 48:12
Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last.

Revelation 2:1-3:22
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Zechariah 4:2
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.

Ezekiel 1:10
The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle.

Daniel 7:9
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

Daniel 10:5-6
I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

John 8:58
“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Hebrews 1:1-2
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.


Treasury of Scripture

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

I am.

Revelation 1:8,17
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty…

What.

Revelation 1:19
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Revelation 2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Revelation 10:4
And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

seven.

Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 2:1,8,12,18
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; …

Revelation 3:1,7,14
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…

Ephesus.

Acts 18:19-21,24
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews…

Acts 19:1-41
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, …

Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Laodicea.

Colossians 4:15,16
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house…

Jump to Previous
Alpha Asia Assemblies Book Churches Ephesus First Forthwith Laodicea Omega Pergamos Pergamum Per'gamum Philadelphia Roll Sardis Scroll Seest Seven Smyrna Thyateira Thyatira Thyati'ra Write
Jump to Next
Alpha Asia Assemblies Book Churches Ephesus First Forthwith Laodicea Omega Pergamos Pergamum Per'gamum Philadelphia Roll Sardis Scroll Seest Seven Smyrna Thyateira Thyatira Thyati'ra Write
Revelation 1
1. The preface.
4. John's salutation to the seven churches of Asia.
7. The coming of Christ.
8. His glorious power and majesty.














saying
The Greek word used here is "λέγων" (legōn), which is a present participle of "λέγω" (legō), meaning "to say" or "to speak." This word indicates a continuous action, suggesting that the message is not just a one-time command but an ongoing directive from Jesus to John. It emphasizes the authority and immediacy of the communication, underscoring the divine nature of the revelation being imparted.

Write
The Greek word "γράψον" (grapson) is an imperative form of "γράφω" (graphō), meaning "to write." This command highlights the importance of recording the vision accurately. In the ancient world, writing was a means of preserving and transmitting important information. Here, it underscores the permanence and authority of the revelation, ensuring that the message is faithfully communicated to the intended recipients.

on a scroll
The term "βιβλίον" (biblion) refers to a scroll or a book. In the first century, scrolls were the primary medium for written communication. This phrase indicates that the message is to be documented in a formal and enduring manner, suitable for distribution and public reading. The use of a scroll also connects the revelation to the Jewish tradition of sacred writings, reinforcing its divine origin.

what you see
The phrase "ὃ βλέπεις" (ho blepeis) emphasizes the visionary nature of the revelation. John is instructed to write down not just words but the entire visual experience. This highlights the prophetic and apocalyptic genre of the book, where visions are a primary means of divine communication. It also underscores the importance of faithful witness, as John is to record exactly what he perceives.

and send it
The Greek word "πέμψον" (pempson) is another imperative, derived from "πέμπω" (pempō), meaning "to send." This command indicates that the message is not just for John's personal edification but is intended for a wider audience. It underscores the communal aspect of the revelation, as it is meant to be shared and disseminated among the churches.

to the seven churches
The number seven is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. The seven churches mentioned here represent the entirety of the Christian community at the time. This phrase indicates that the message is comprehensive and relevant to all believers, not just those in the specific locations mentioned.

to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
These were actual cities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), each with its own unique challenges and characteristics. By addressing specific churches, the message becomes both personal and contextual. Each church represents different aspects of the Christian experience, and the specific mention of these cities underscores the historical reality of the early church and its diverse circumstances. This phrase invites readers to consider the universal application of the message, as the issues faced by these churches are reflective of challenges encountered by believers throughout history.

(11) I am Alpha and Omega.--In this verse we pass from St. John to Him who was the Word, of whom St. John gave testimony. He who is the faithful witness now speaks. "What thou seest, write," &c. The previous words, "I am Alpha," &c., are not found in the best MSS. The words "which are in Asia," are also omitted.

The seven churches.--There were more than seven churches in Asia Minor; but the number selected indicates completeness. Thus, though having special reference to the conditions of those churches, the epistles may be regarded as epistles conveying ever appropriate lessons to the churches of succeeding ages. The names of the seven churches are enumerated, as they would naturally be by a person writing from Patmos. "First, Ephesus is addressed, as the Asiatic metropolis, and as the nearest church to Patmos; then the other churches on the western coast of Asia; then those in the interior" (Wordsworth).

Verse 11. - On ample evidence (א, A, C, and all versions), "I am Alpha ... the Last; and" must be omitted; also "which are in Asia." Write in a book; literally, into a book (εἰς βιβλίον). Over and over again, twelve times in all, St. John reminds us that he writes this book by Divine command (ver. 19; Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; Revelation 3:1, 7, 14; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:5; comp. Revelation 10:4). The seven Churches. The order is not haphazard. It is precisely that which would be natural to a person writing in Patmos or travelling from Ephesus. Ephesus comes first as metropolis; then the city on the coast, Smyrna; then the inland cities in order, working round towards Ephesus again. In short, it is just the order in which St. John would visit the Churches in making an apostolic circuit as metropolitan. With the exception of what is told us in these chapters, the history of the Churches of Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis in the apostolic or sub-apostolic age is quite unknown. It was an ancient objection to the Apocalypse that in Thyatira there was no Church (see on Revelation 2:18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
saying,
λεγούσης (legousēs)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Write
γράψον (grapson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a scroll
βιβλίον (biblion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 975: A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.

what
(Ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you see
βλέπεις (blepeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

send [it]
πέμψον (pempson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

to the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

seven
ἑπτὰ (hepta)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.

churches:
ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Ephesus,
Ἔφεσον (Epheson)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2181: Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.

Smyrna,
Σμύρναν (Smyrnan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4667: Smyrna, a great port of the Roman province Asia. The same as smurna; Smyrna, a place in Asia Minor.

Pergamum,
Πέργαμον (Pergamon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4010: Pergamum, an important city of the Roman province Asia. From purgos; fortified; Pergamus, a place in Asia Minor.

Thyatira,
Θυάτειρα (Thyateira)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2363: Thyatira, a place in Asia Minor.

Sardis,
Σάρδεις (Sardeis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4554: Sardis, an ancient city of Lydia in the province of Asia. Plural of uncertain derivation; Sardis, a place in Asia Minor.

Philadelphia,
Φιλαδέλφειαν (Philadelpheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5359: Philadelphia, a city of the Roman province Asia. From Philadelphos, a king of Pergamos; Philadelphia, a place in Asia Minor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Laodicea.”
Λαοδίκειαν (Laodikeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2993: From a compound of laos and dike; Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 1:11 Saying What you see write (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
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