Revelation 1:8

Joshua Perez

3/7/2025

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8 NASB)

Many assume that in this verse, Jesus is declaring himself to be "the Lord God", "the one who is and who was and who is to come", as well as "the Almighty". This is largely due to the fact that many red letter bibles (such as the KJV and NASB) have this verse in red, indicating that Jesus is speaking. However, the context clearly shows that God (the father) is speaking in this verse, and not Jesus. 

Verses 4-5 of the chapter says:

"4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 AND from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth."

Jesus Christ is clearly distinguished from the one seated on the throne (he who is, was, and is to come, who is God). Furthermore, the word "almighty" is only every applied to God (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 4:8; 15:3; 16:7; 19:15; 21:22), and is never applied to Jesus. Therefore, Jesus is not be called God in this verse.

For our view on the titles "the First and the last", "the Alpha and Omega", and "the Beginning and the End" being applied to Jesus elsewhere, see our article on Revelation 22:13.