Bible Strands
Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — A formal benediction opening the letter to the seven churches in Asia, placed immediately after the word is identified as God's and Jesus Christ's testimony (1:2).
The words — ἀναγινώσκων (anaginōskōn) is a present participle specifying public, aloud reading rather than silent study; the verse then moves from hearing (ἀκούοντες) to obeying, making compliance the condition of the blessing.
The thread — Luke 11:28 pairs hearing with obeying the word of God; Revelation 22:10 repeats "the time is near" as the reason the prophecy must not be sealed; Romans 13:11 marks the hour as present and urgent.
Why it lands — Blessing is conditioned on three actions—read aloud, hear, obey—and "the time is near" removes any distance between the text and the moment of reading.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Cross-references
- Luke 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
- Revelation 22:10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.
- Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
- 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
- Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
- Revelation 22:6 Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.”
- Daniel 12:12 Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
- James 5:8 You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
- Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
- 2 Peter 3:8 Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.