New Testament
Revelation 22:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Compare translations
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
What Revelation 22:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 22:13, the speaker identifies themselves as the Alpha and Omega, which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This signifies that they are eternal, encompassing all of time and existence. By stating 'the First and the Last,' it emphasizes their preeminence and authority over all creation. The phrase 'the Beginning and the End' indicates that everything originates from them and will ultimately return to them. This declaration reassures believers of God's sovereignty and control over history, affirming that He is present from the very start to the conclusion of all things. It highlights the completeness of God's plan and His unchanging nature, providing comfort and hope to those who follow Him. The verse serves as a reminder of the divine nature of Christ, who is central to the Christian faith, and reinforces the idea that He is the source of life and the ultimate destination for all believers.
How to apply Revelation 22:13 to your life
Understanding that Christ is the Alpha and Omega encourages us to trust in His plan for our lives. It reminds us that He is in control, from our beginnings to our endings. We can find peace in knowing that our lives are part of His eternal purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary · Revelation 22:13 Meaning
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 22:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
The speaker is Jesus (named in verse 16). Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last. So 'Alpha and Omega' means first and last. Jesus then says the same thing two more ways: 'the beginning and the end' and 'the first and the last.' The point is simple: He was there before everything started, and He will be there after everything ends. Nothing is outside His reach.
Read It in Context
In verse 12, Jesus says He is coming soon to reward everyone for what they have done. Verse 13 gives the reason He can do that: He stands over all of time and everything in it.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Revelation 22:13 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 22:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 22:13 mean?
Revelation 22:13 means that the speaker, identified as Christ, is eternal and has authority over all creation. By calling Himself the Alpha and Omega, He signifies that He is present from the beginning to the end of time.
What is the significance of Alpha and Omega in Revelation 22:13?
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing that Christ encompasses all of existence. This title emphasizes His eternal nature and sovereignty over everything.
What does 'the First and the Last' mean in Revelation 22:13?
'The First and the Last' in Revelation 22:13 highlights Christ's preeminence and authority. It indicates that He is the origin of all things and will also be the final destination.
How does Revelation 22:13 provide hope to believers?
Revelation 22:13 provides hope by affirming that God is sovereign over all aspects of life and history. It reminds believers that their lives are part of His eternal plan, offering comfort and assurance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.