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NASB | Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 1:3 Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and who keep the things which are written in it [heeding them and taking them to heart]; for the time [of fulfillment] is near. |
Bible Question: Does the text here mean that one doesn't have to understand what is read? The text in English reads, "those who read and hear," it doesn't explicitly state, "those who read and understand." But is the latter a better translation than the former? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Hotpotato! The word for read in Rev. 1:3 is 'anaginosko'. It is contrasted several times in the New Testament with 'understanding'. 1) Acts 8:30 - "Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ??Do you understand (ginosko) what you are reading (anaginosko)??" 2) 2 Cor. 1:13 - "For we do not write you anything you cannot read (anaginosko) or understand (epiginosko). And I hope that," 3) 2 Cor. 3:2 - "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known (ginosko) and read (anaginosko) by everybody." 2 Cor. 3:15 even indicates that those who read the Law of Moses do not understand it - "Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts." So, I would not push the meaning of 'understand' upon the verb 'to read'. However, the verbs 'to hear' and 'to keep' in Rev. 1:3 can bear this meaning, especially 'to keep'. So, your main point is definitely valid. The one who is blessed is the one who both reads, hears, and keeps these words. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |