Revealation 1:3

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

This verse begins with the word “blessed”. While this word could be translated happy, its real meaning is more than just an emotional high or having a smiling face. Blessed suggests privileges bestowed on someone, an elevation to a better position.  Here, the privilege bestowed by God could possibly be for this present time but will definitely have an outward manifestation in eternity. The reader and the hearer are in a better position than those who have not heard or read. Both their mind and spirit will have a greater ease and contentment concerning the future.

  This is just the first of 7 passages in this book with tell the reader he is “blessed” if he or she does something. Here the person is blessed if they read or hear, but both have to do what is written in this book. First, blessed is he that reads. Now, to understand this thought, we must first understand that the people did not have personal bibles at this time in history. The Old Testament  or portions of the Old Testament were housed in a public place, like a synagogue. These books or scrolls were watched over by an appointed individual, and he would determine who was aloud to read the old testament passages to those in attendance. The gospels give account of such instances taking place when Christ was here on the earth. Here, the text says blessed is he that reads.  An Old Testament book or one of the New Testament books would now be given to men to read. At first, there may have been only one scroll with the title The Revelation. Someone might copy it and then there would be 2 copies and so forth.   Verse 3 has specific reference to reading the Bood of Revelation written by the Apostle John and says blessed is the one reading. Probably the one reading to the congregation. Also, blessed are those who physically hear what is being read, but even better those who acknowledge and accept for fact what is being read. Both the reader and the hearer would then be blessed. However, look at the next words which qualifies the “blessedness”.  Both individuals have to do those things written in this book. To hear and not do brings destruction both to the hearers and readers, not a blessing.