Jehovah's Witnesses: Who is the Alpha and the Omega?

Question

Is the "Alpha and Omega" Jesus or Jehovah? According to your Bible, it's both! How can that be?

Revelation 1:8 says: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says Jehovah God; "the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty."

But in Revelation 22:13, this claim of being "the Alpha and the Omega" is attributed to Jesus, as made clear in verse 16. Quotation marks show that this is all part of the same speech attributed to Jesus. So how can they BOTH be "the Alpha and the Omega"?

Did you know that in the first verse, LORD is not used in other translations (which would be Jehovah), but simply Lord, which would indicate Jesus instead? To me, this indicates that Jesus IS the Lord God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega.

But Who do you say is the Alpha and the Omega?

Answer 1

Greetings,



It is impossible for Jesus to be the Alpha and Omega. The Alpha and Omega is explicitly called Almighty. Yet, Jesus is explicitly placed lower than Almighty God at every point of his existence. Jesus always has a God over him and is subject Almighty God (Jn.14:28; 20:17; Mk.13:32; 1Cor.15:27,28; Rev. 3:12,14).





Trinitarians attempt to use Rev. 22:12-13 to prove that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. To do this they must ignore the context and explicit statements of Revelation and the Bible as a whole.



"Alpha and Omega" is used as a title three times in Revelation (1:8; 21:6; 22:13). Rev.1:11 of the KJV is a spurious addition.



Following are several of the many contextual reasons for why the title Alpha and Omega cannot be referring to Jesus.



First, in the context of 1:8, Jesus is explicitly excluded grammatically from being the "Alpha and Omega." In verses 4,5 we have greetings from three entities: "The One Who Is, Was, and Is Coming" AND "The Seven Spirits" AND "Jesus Christ." The individual given the title "The One Who Is and Was and Is Coming" is clearly identified as the "Alphaand Omega," the "Almighty," and "Lord God." Incontestably, the Alpha and Omegais grammatically differentiated from both Jesus Christ and from the "seven spirits." Therefore, it is impossible for Jesus to be the one addressed in 1:8 as the "Alpha and Omega."



Secondly, Revelation specifically identifies the "One Seated on the Throne" as the "Alpha and Omega" (21:5,6), yet in chapters four and five Jesus is shown to be ontologically separated from the One "on the throne". Because first he is shown receiving a scroll from the enthroned Alpha and Omega and secondly it is clear that grammatically he is consistently differentiated from the One on the throne: 1:4; 4:2,8; 5:1,5-7,13; 6:16; 7:10.



Therefore, grammatically and contextually, the first two evidences clearly prove that it is impossible for Jesus to be the Alpha and Omega. Yet, there are seven more clues important to identifying the Alpha and Omega. Here are only three more:



Third, the "Alpha and Omega" is explicitly classed as "Almighty," yet in all nine occurrences of the word Almighty Jesus is contextually--ontologically and grammatically--excluded from being the One called Almighty! (1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7,14; 19:6,15; 21:22).



Fourth, closely related to number three, the Alpha and Omega is identified as being God over Jesus in 1:6. Similarly, Rev.5:12 presents Jesus as ontologically less than Almighty since he has to "receive power and wisdom" from the Alpha and Omega on the throne, making Jesus separate and inferior to the Alpha and Omega. Further, in 1:1 and 2:26,27 Jesus receives knowledge and power from his God and Father.



Therefore, it is impossible for Jesus to be the Almighty Alpha and Omega since Jesus himself expresses his inferiority to the Alpha and Omega by declaring six times that he has a God (Rev.1:6; 3:2,12 NIV, ASV, RSV, NWT).





Let us examine the final and most contested occurrence of the title Alpha and Omega: Re 22:12-13.



Most Trinitarians interpret this occurrence as being the words of Christ identifying himself as the Alpha and Omega. Is there sound evidence for this interpretation? Is it exegesis or eisegesis?



Trinitarians claim that the speaker of Rev. 22:12-16 is Jesus Christ because in verse 16 Jesus identifies himself as speaking.



However, this conclusion is based on presupposition and not on evidence. When Jesus identifies himself in verse 16 it does not mean that the words prior to this are also his words. Rather, the scriptural evidence shows that when someone says "I so-and-so..." they are introducing themselves as a new speaker. For example, in Revelation there are two other occurrences of the first person singular "I" followed by a personal identification: Rev. 1:9 and 22:8. In both cases this grammatical marker introduces a new speaker, never the same speaker continuing!



For instance, in 1:8 "the Alpha and the Omega" is speaking, yet in the next verse, using the same syntax as in 22:16, John introduces himself as a new speaker. Obviously, it would be ridiculous to claim that this means John is "the Alpha and the Omega" of the previous verse! If we were to accept the logic of Trinitarians, we would have to conclude that John was the Almighty Alpha and Omega, since 1:9 would be a continuation of 1:8!



The same thing occurs at Rev 22:7. Would anyone insist that John was Almighty God because of John's use of the same syntax as Jesus in 22:16.



Obviously, the grammatical evidence proves that both Jesus and John were introducing themselves as new speakers.



Exegetically, there can only be one conclusion logically drawn from the evidence. Since Jesus is excluded in every single reference to the Alpha and the Omega and His unique titles, it would be an extremely doubtful conclusion to identify Jesus as the Alpha and Omega in the single reference where the owner of the title is not specifically differentiated from Jesus! The only support for identifying Jesus as the Alpha and Omega is personal theology; eisegesis not exegesis!



Though I've only presented a quarter of the evidence, it is still overwhelming evidence that Jesus is specifically excluded from receiving the title Alpha Omega anywhere in Revelation and that the title refers exclusively to Jehovah, the only Almighty God (Ps.83:18; Jn.17:3).



Yours,



BAR-ANERGES

Answer 2

ALPHA AND OMEGA

These are the names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used as a title three times in the book of Revelation. The additional occurrence of this phrase in the King James rendering of Revelation 1:11, however, does not receive support from some of the oldest Greek manuscripts, including the Alexandrine, Sinaitic, and Codex Ephraemi rescriptus. It is, therefore, omitted in many modern translations.

While many commentators apply this title both to God and to Christ, a more careful examination of its use restricts its application to Jehovah God. The first verse of Revelation shows that the revelation was given originally by God and through Jesus Christ, hence the one speaking (through an angelic representative) at times is God himself, and at other times it is Christ Jesus. (Re 22:8) Thus Revelation 1:8 (RS) says: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God [“Jehovah God,” NW], who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Although the preceding verse speaks of Christ Jesus, it is clear that in verse 8 the application of the title is to “the Almighty” God. In this regard Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament (1974) observes: “It cannot be absolutely certain that the writer meant to refer to the Lord Jesus specifically here . . . There is no real incongruity in supposing, also, that the writer here meant to refer to God as such.”

The title occurs again at Revelation 21:6, and the following verse identifies the speaker by saying: “Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I shall be his God and he will be my son.” Inasmuch as Jesus referred to those who are joint heirs with him in his Kingdom as “brothers,” not “sons,” the speaker must be Jesus’ heavenly Father, Jehovah God.—Mt 25:40; compare Heb 2:10-12.

The final occurrence of the title is at Revelation 22:13, which states: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” It is evident that a number of persons are represented as speaking in this chapter of Revelation; verses 8 and 9 show that the angel spoke to John, verse 16 obviously applies to Jesus, the first part of verse 17 is credited to “the spirit and the bride,” and the one speaking in the latter part of verse 20 is manifestly John himself. “The Alpha and the Omega” of verses 12-15, therefore, may properly be identified as the same one who bears the title in the other two occurrences: Jehovah God. The expression, “Look! I am coming quickly,” in verse 12, does not require that these aforementioned verses apply to Jesus, inasmuch as God also speaks of himself as “coming” to execute judgment. (Compare Isa 26:21.) Malachi 3:1-6 speaks of a joint coming for judgment on the part of Jehovah and his “messenger of the covenant.”

The title “the Alpha and the Omega” carries the same thought as “the first and the last” and “the beginning and the end” when these terms are used with reference to Jehovah. Before him there was no Almighty God, and there will be none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion the issue over Godship, forever vindicated as the one and only Almighty God.—Compare Isa 44:6.

Answer 3

Taken from "Insight on the Scriptures" (volume 1) under the heading "Alpha and Omega":



While many commentators apply this title both to God and to Christ, a more careful examination of its use restricts its application to Jehovah God. The first verse of Revelation shows that the revelation was given originally by God and through Jesus Christ, hence the one speaking (through an angelic representative) at times is God himself, and at other times it is Christ Jesus. (Re 22:8) Thus Revelation 1:8 (RS) says: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God [“Jehovah God,” NW], who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Although the preceding verse speaks of Christ Jesus, it is clear that in verse 8 the application of the title is to “the Almighty” God. In this regard Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament (1974) observes: “It cannot be absolutely certain that the writer meant to refer to the Lord Jesus specifically here . . . There is no real incongruity in supposing, also, that the writer here meant to refer to God as such.”



The title occurs again at Revelation 21:6, and the following verse identifies the speaker by saying: “Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I shall be his God and he will be my son.” Inasmuch as Jesus referred to those who are joint heirs with him in his Kingdom as “brothers,” not “sons,” the speaker must be Jesus’ heavenly Father, Jehovah God.—Mt 25:40; compare Heb 2:10-12.



The final occurrence of the title is at Revelation 22:13, which states: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” It is evident that a number of persons are represented as speaking in this chapter of Revelation; verses 8 and 9 show that the angel spoke to John, verse 16 obviously applies to Jesus, the first part of verse 17 is credited to “the spirit and the bride,” and the one speaking in the latter part of verse 20 is manifestly John himself. “The Alpha and the Omega” of verses 12-15, therefore, may properly be identified as the same one who bears the title in the other two occurrences: Jehovah God. The expression, “Look! I am coming quickly,” in verse 12, does not require that these aforementioned verses apply to Jesus, inasmuch as God also speaks of himself as “coming” to execute judgment. (Compare Isa 26:21.) Malachi 3:1-6 speaks of a joint coming for judgment on the part of Jehovah and his “messenger of the covenant.



The title “the Alpha and the Omega” carries the same thought as “the first and the last” and “the beginning and the end” when these terms are used with reference to Jehovah. Before him there was no Almighty God, and there will be none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion the issue over Godship, forever vindicated as the one and only Almighty God.

Answer 4

At Revelation 22:12, TEV (Today's English Version) inserts the name Jesus, so the reference to Alpha and Omega in verse 13 is made to appear to apply to him. But the name Jesus does not appear there in Greek, and other translations do not include it. (5) At Revelation 22:13, the Alpha and Omega is also said to be “the first and the last,” which expression is applied to Jesus at Revelation 1:17, 18. Similarly, the expression “apostle” is applied both to Jesus Christ and to certain ones of his followers. But that does not prove that they are the same person or are of equal rank, does it? (Heb. 3:1) So the evidence points to the conclusion that the title “Alpha and Omega” applies to Almighty God, the Father, not to the Son.



After Jehovah, Jesus speaks. He addresses words of encouragement to righthearted ones who read Revelation, saying: “I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you people of these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) Yes, these words are primarily “for the congregations.” This is a message, first of all, for the congregation of anointed Christians on earth. Everything in Revelation is addressed primarily to anointed Christians, who will inhabit New Jerusalem. Through that congregation, the great crowd is also privileged to gain understanding of these precious prophetic truths.—John 17:18-21.

Answer 5

Sorry, but there are two sets of quotes, not just one. Jesus is not quoted as saying the Alpha and the Omega.



Verse 16 says "I, Jesus" which indicated a change of speaker in the original Greek, which contained no punctuation. Just like John also isn't the Alpha and the Omega in Revelation 1:8-9 because of the indicator of a change of speaker: "I, John." (See also Daniel 12:4, 5)

Answer 6

For further information & learn more - you may wish to get in touch with Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or: watchtower.org



At Revelation 22:13, the Alpha and Omega is also said to be “the first and the last,” which expression is applied to Jesus at Revelation 1:17, 18. Similarly, the expression “apostle” is applied both to Jesus Christ and to certain ones of his followers. But that does not prove that they are the same person or are of equal rank, does it? (Hebr. 3:1) So the evidence points to the conclusion that the title “Alpha and Omega” applies to Almighty God, the Father, not to the Son.



Jehovah’s calling himself by those two letters stresses that before him, there was no almighty God, and there will be none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion, for all eternity, the issue of Godship. He will be forever vindicated as the one and only almighty God, Supreme Sovereign over all of his creation.—Compare Isaiah 46:10; 55:10, 11.



While many commentators apply this title both to God and to Christ, a more careful examination of its use restricts its application to Jehovah God. The first verse of Revelation shows that the revelation was given originally by God and through Jesus Christ, hence the one speaking (through an angelic representative) at times is God himself, and at other times it is Christ Jesus. (Revelation22:8) Although the preceding verse speaks of Christ Jesus, it is clear that in verse 8 the application of the title is to “the Almighty” God. In this regard "Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament" (1974) observes: “It cannot be absolutely certain that the writer meant to refer to the Lord Jesus specifically here . . . There is no real incongruity in supposing, also, that the writer here meant to refer to God as such.”

The title occurs again at Revelation 21:6, and the following verse identifies the speaker by saying: “Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I shall be his God and he will be my son.” Inasmuch as Jesus referred to those who are joint heirs with him in his Kingdom as “brothers,” not “sons,” the speaker must be Jesus’ heavenly Father, Jehovah God.—Matthew 25:40; compare Hebr. 2:10-12.

It is evident that a number of persons are represented as speaking in this chapter of Revelation; verses 8 and 9 show that the angel spoke to John, verse 16 obviously applies to Jesus, the first part of verse 17 is credited to “the spirit and the bride,” and the one speaking in the latter part of verse 20 is manifestly John himself. “The Alpha and the Omega” of verses 12-15, therefore, may properly be identified as the same one who bears the title in the other two occurrences: Jehovah God.



Bible -

Answer 7

Alpha and Omega is the first and last letters in the greek alphabet. Since the most accepted translation of the bible is that of greek, that is just a symbolic saying that God is the beginning and the end. If it was in english they would say "A and Z". But since Jesus is God as human, they are both. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; the Trinity. The Jehovah's Witnesses do have it correct (on this fact) with the teachings.

Answer 8

Trinitarians consistently use fake good judgment to assist their fake trinity doctrine. in basic terms because of the fact Jesus and Jehovah have been the two stated as the 1st and the final, does not advise they're the Alpha and the Omega. Did Jesus say he grow to be the alpha and the Omega? No. So why grow to be Jesus stated as the 1st and the final? Jesus grow to be stated as the 1st and the final because of the fact of his state of resurrection and immortality. Jehovah God grow to be stated as the 1st and the final because of the fact he has no initiating and no end. considering that Jesus grow to be positioned to death, he of course can't be stated as the Alpha and the Omega. "don't be frightened. i'm the 1st and the final, and the residing one; and that i grew to become ineffective, yet, look! i'm residing consistently and ever" (Revelation a million:17b-18a NWT) Jesus positioned on immorality after his resurrection, and thats why he stated I grew to become ineffective, yet look! i'm residing consistently and ever. God's be conscious translation brings this out much extra of course. Revelation a million:18 i grow to be ineffective, yet NOW i'm alive consistently. I even have the keys of death and hell. Can God die? No. Can somebody who in immortal die? No. The scriptures are sparkling on what its attempting to show out, yet you and different trinitarians proceed to misuse verses to assist a faux doctrine. replace: in case you opt for to apply this fake good judgment on Jehovah and Jesus, then I advise you apply it to the apostles, prophets ect considering that they too have been given comparable titles as Jesus and Jehovah God. Wait, i think you are going to assert they are not a similar individual because of the fact the apostles and prophets are human top? Yeah, see how undesirable your use of superb judgment is? Please take the bible for what its properly worth. replace: study what i stated "Jesus positioned on immorality" no contradiction. Jesus alongside with the a hundred and forty four,000 won't journey a 2nd death because of the fact they positioned on immortality or in corruption as you might have it. a million Corinthians 15:5 "In a 2nd, in the quick while, on the final trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the ineffective would be raised incorruptible, and we are able to get replaced." Jesus grow to be additionally advance incorruptible.

Answer 9

god is.



hyuk hyuk ba. the watchtower has claimed both in 1978. using one scripture to falsify another is wrongly dividing, despite your many words.

https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20070509050321AAq3YTq





“‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Al´pha and the O·me´ga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Rev. 22:12-13)



“This is what Jehovah has said, the King of Israel and the Repurchaser of him, Jehovah of armies, ‘I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. (Isa. 44:6)

“Listen to me, O Jacob, and you Israel my called one. I am the same One. I am the first. Moreover, I am the last. (Isa. 48:12)



Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. Yes, Amen. (Rev.1:7)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says Jehovah God, 'the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.'" (Rev. 1:8)



And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet. And he laid his right hand upon me and said: “Do not be fearful. I am the First and the Last, and the living one; and I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Ha´des. (Rev. 1:17-18)

“And to the angel of the congregation in Smyr´na write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’ who became dead and came to life [again], (Rev. 2:8)





let the text speak for itself, without the leaven of the watchtower.

clearly, the premise of the question is correct, that it applies to both. why let the watchtower tell you otherwise. are they smarter than god?