Revelation 22:13

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 22:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Revelation 22:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I am Alpha and Omega, etc.] (See Gill on “<660108>Revelation 1:8”). These characters are all put together here, which are before used in (<660108>Revelation 1:8,11 21:6) and are very pertinently mentioned in this place, when all promises and prophecies, relating to the glorious kingdom of Christ, were just finishing, and that itself was ready to appear, in which Christ alone should be exalted, the mystery of God would be completed, and time itself be no more. The Ethiopic version adds, “the beginning and end of days”, or time. A testimony this, of the deity, eternity, infinity, and perfection of Christ.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I am Alpha--Greek, ". . . the Alpha and the Omega." A, B, Vulgate, Syriac, ORIGEN, and CYPRIAN transpose thus, "the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." ANDREAS supports English Version. Compare with these divine titles assumed here by the Lord Jesus, Rev 1:8, Rev 1:17; Rev 21:6. At the winding up of the whole scheme of revelation He announces Himself as the One before whom and after whom there is no God.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I am Alpha and Omega ... - See the notes on Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:11. The idea here is, that he will thus show that he is the first and the last - the beginning and the end. He originated the whole plan of salvation, and he will determine its close; he formed the world, and he will wind up its affairs. In the beginning, the continuance, and the end, he will be recognized as the same being presiding over and controlling all. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last - Who exist from everlasting to everlasting. How clear, incontestable a proof, does our Lord here give of his divine glory! Revelation 22:14”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rev 1:8, Rev 1:11, Rev 21:6; Isa 41:4, Isa 44:6, Isa 48:12 Revelation 22:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification