Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Revelation 1:17 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse 'And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:' from the book of Revelation is a powerful depiction of encountering the divine. The speaker's reaction of falling at the feet of the figure in the vision signifies a deep sense of reverence and fear in the presence of such a powerful being. The act of being touched by the figure's right hand and hearing the words "Fear not; I am the first and the last" conveys a message of comfort and reassurance. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming divine presence, there is no need to fear, as the figure identifies themselves as the ultimate authority, the beginning and the end.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of Revelation 1:17, which describes John falling at the feet of Jesus as if dead, can be seen as a reflection of the overwhelming power and majesty of God. In Jewish and Christian tradition, encountering the divine often results in feelings of fear and awe that can render individuals paralyzed or speechless. This verse serves as a reminder of the incomprehensible nature of God and the reverence that is due to Him. Additionally, the laying on of Jesus' right hand and His words, "Fear not; I am the first and the last," can be understood as a comforting reassurance of His eternal presence and sovereignty. The theological significance of being the "first and the last" denotes Jesus' eternal existence and authority over all creation. Through this verse, believers are reminded of the humbling yet comforting truth that in all circumstances, Jesus is with them, offering reassurance and guidance in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Revelation 1:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,
World English Bible
When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,
Douay-Rheims
And when I had seen him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when I saw him, I fell at his feete as dead: then he laid his right hand vpon me, saying vnto me, Feare not: I am that first and that last,