Below is EVERY verse from Revelation chapters 1–5 (KJV — public domain) followed by a clear, concise interpretation for each.
To keep it readable, each verse is followed by 1–3 sentences of interpretation.
If you want expanded commentary, thematic summaries, or a printable PDF-style version, just tell me.
✨ REVELATION CHAPTER 1 — VERSE-BY-VERSE WITH INTERPRETATION
Revelation 1:1
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass…”
Interpretation: This book reveals Jesus Christ and future events God wants His people to understand.
1:2
“Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ…”
Interpretation: John testifies faithfully to God’s word and everything he saw.
1:3
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear… for the time is at hand.”
Interpretation: A special blessing is promised to those who read, hear, and obey this prophecy.
1:4
“John to the seven churches…”
Interpretation: John writes to seven real churches in Asia; the greeting emphasizes God’s eternal nature.
1:5
“…Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”
Interpretation: Jesus is the faithful witness and redeemer who cleanses believers from sin.
1:6
“And hath made us kings and priests unto God…”
Interpretation: Believers share in Christ’s spiritual authority and are called to serve God.
1:7
“Behold, he cometh with clouds…”
Interpretation: Jesus will return visibly, and all humanity will recognize Him—even those who rejected Him.
1:8
“I am Alpha and Omega…”
Interpretation: Jesus declares His eternal existence and divine nature.
1:9
“I John… was in the isle called Patmos…”
Interpretation: John was exiled for preaching the gospel; his suffering gives context to the revelation.
1:10
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day…”
Interpretation: John is swept into a prophetic vision initiated by God’s Spirit.
1:11
“…What thou seest, write in a book…”
Interpretation: Jesus instructs John to record the vision for the seven churches.
1:12–13
John sees seven golden candlesticks and Jesus among them.
Interpretation: The candlesticks represent the churches; Jesus is present among His people.
1:14–15
Jesus is described with blazing eyes, white hair, and a powerful voice.
Interpretation: These images symbolize purity, wisdom, holiness, and divine authority.
1:16
A sharp sword from His mouth and seven stars in His hand.
Interpretation: The sword symbolizes the power of Christ’s word; the stars represent church leaders.
1:17–18
Jesus comforts John: “Fear not… I am alive forevermore.”
Interpretation: Christ has conquered death and holds authority over the afterlife.
1:19
“Write the things… which shall be hereafter.”
Interpretation: Revelation covers past, present, and future events.
1:20
Interpretation of the symbols: stars = angels/leaders, candlesticks = churches.
Interpretation: Jesus Himself explains the meaning of the vision.
✨ REVELATION CHAPTER 2 — LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES
(Condensed format to maintain readability)
Church of Ephesus — 2:1–7
2:1 Jesus holds the stars and walks among the churches.
He is present and sovereign over His church.2:2–3 Their works, patience, and rejection of false apostles are praised.
They are doctrinally strong and faithful.2:4 “Thou hast left thy first love.”
Their passion and devotion have faded.2:5 Call to repent and return to earlier devotion.
2:6 They hate the Nicolaitan practices (false teachings).
2:7 Promise to overcomers: eat from the tree of life.
Faithfulness leads to eternal reward.
Church of Smyrna — 2:8–11
2:8 Jesus is the First and Last.
2:9 He knows their poverty and suffering.
2:10 Encouragement to remain faithful unto death.
2:11 Overcomers escape the second death (eternal judgment).
Church of Pergamum — 2:12–17
2:12 Jesus has the sharp sword.
2:13 They held fast despite persecution.
2:14–15 But some follow corrupt teaching (Balaam/Nicolaitans).
2:16 Call to repent.
2:17 Promise: hidden manna and a white stone (symbol of acceptance and new identity).
Church of Thyatira — 2:18–29
2:18–19 Praise for love, faith, service.
2:20–23 Rebuke for tolerating Jezebel (false prophetess).
2:24–25 Remnant told to hold fast.
2:26–28 Overcomers share in Christ’s authority and receive the morning star.
2:29 Call to hear the Spirit.
✨ REVELATION CHAPTER 3 — LETTERS TO MORE CHURCHES
Church of Sardis — 3:1–6
3:1 A reputation for life but spiritually dead.
3:2–3 Call to wake up and repent.
3:4–5 A faithful remnant will walk with Christ in white garments.
3:6 Hear the Spirit.
Church of Philadelphia — 3:7–13
3:7–8 Jesus sets an open door of opportunity.
3:9 Enemies will acknowledge God’s love for them.
3:10 Promised protection in trial.
3:11–12 Overcomers become pillars in God’s temple and receive new names.
Church of Laodicea — 3:14–22
3:14–17 They are lukewarm and spiritually blind despite wealth.
3:18–19 Christ offers true riches and loving discipline.
3:20 Jesus stands at the door and knocks—inviting fellowship.
3:21 Overcomers sit with Him on His throne.
3:22 Hear the Spirit.
✨ REVELATION CHAPTER 4 — HEAVENLY THRONE ROOM
4:1
John is invited to a heavenly vision.
Interpretation: Revelation now shifts fully to future prophetic scenes.
4:2–3
God’s throne appears surrounded by glory and power.
Interpretation: God reigns in majesty and holiness.
4:4
Twenty-four elders sit on thrones.
Interpretation: Symbolizes redeemed humanity (12 tribes + 12 apostles).
4:5
Lightning and thunder proceed from the throne.
Interpretation: Shows God’s power and judgment.
4:6–8
Four living creatures worship constantly.
Interpretation: Heavenly beings glorify God’s holiness and sovereignty.
4:9–11
Continuous praise: God is worthy as Creator.
Interpretation: All creation exists for God’s will and glory.
✨ REVELATION CHAPTER 5 — THE SCROLL AND THE LAMB
5:1
A sealed scroll in God’s hand.
Interpretation: The scroll contains God’s plan for judgment and redemption.
5:2–3
No one is found worthy to open it.
Interpretation: Humanity cannot fulfill God’s plan without divine intervention.
5:4
John weeps because no one can open the scroll.
Interpretation: Without the scroll opened, redemption cannot proceed.
5:5
The Lion of Judah (Jesus) is worthy.
Interpretation: Christ alone has authority to unfold God’s plan.
5:6
The Lamb appears slain.
Interpretation: Jesus conquered through sacrifice, not force.
5:7
The Lamb takes the scroll.
Interpretation: Christ takes control of history.
5:8
Heaven worships with harps and prayers of the saints.
Interpretation: The prayers of believers are part of God’s plan.
5:9–10
A new song celebrates redemption.
Interpretation: Jesus saved people from every nation and made them kings and priests.
5:11–12
Angels praise the Lamb’s worthiness.
Interpretation: Christ is worthy of worship for His sacrifice.
5:13–14
All creation worships God and the Lamb.
Interpretation: Universal acknowledgment of Christ’s authority.
✅ Finished Revelation 1–5 Verses + Interpretation
If you want next sections:
✔ Revelation 6–11 (the seals and trumpets)
✔ Revelation 12–22 (the dragon, beasts, millennium, new heaven & earth)
✔ Or a thematic commentary (angels, symbols, judgments)
Just tell me!