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Book of Revelation - Chapter 1 - Verse 19

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

Meaning

This verse from the book of Revelation instructs the apostle John to write about three specific categories of events. Firstly, he is told to record the things which he has seen, referring to the visions and revelations he has personally witnessed. Secondly, he is instructed to write about the things which are currently happening, meaning the present circumstances and situations. Lastly, he is directed to document the things which shall be hereafter, indicating the prophetic revelations of future events that will come to pass. This verse emphasizes the importance of recording and preserving the divine revelations and prophecies that John received, ensuring that they are passed down for future generations to learn from and understand. By categorizing the events into past, present, and future, the verse highlights the comprehensive nature of the message being conveyed in the book of Revelation, providing a detailed account of God's plan for humanity.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Revelation suggests that it is a call to the prophet John to record a comprehensive account of what he has seen, what is currently happening, and what will occur in the future. It is believed that this command is meant to ensure that the message of the book is preserved and shared with future generations. Additionally, some scholars view this directive as symbolic of the past, present, and future of the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full scope of God's plan for humanity.

Word studies of the phrase "which thou hast seen" could lead to exploring the Greek word for "seen" and its implications. Understanding the nuances of this word can provide insight into the depth of the visions that John witnessed and how they were intended to convey a message to readers. Similarly, examining the phrase "which shall be hereafter" may involve a study of the Greek word for "hereafter" to uncover the significance of the events that are yet to come as revealed in the book of Revelation. By delving into the original language, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed in this verse.

American Standard Version

Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter;
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