Objective genitive: By translating this phrase, "The revelation about/concerning Jesus Christ..." we would be making the interpretive decision to make this an objective genitive. The object of the revelation is Jesus. Reading the book confirms that this is indeed the case. Starting in 1:5 we find that the initial character of whom this book is about is Christ. He stands at the beginning, throughout the middle, and even the very end. Compare 1:8 and 22:13 and the verses surrounding. This book is very much about Christ.
Subjective genitive: However if we translate the phrase, "The revelation from Jesus Christ..." we see the subjective genitive at work. "In 22:16 Jesus tells John that his angel was the one proclaiming the message of the book to John. Thus, the book is certainly a revelation from Christ." (Wallace, Greek Grammar, 121) This clarifies somewhat who the antecedent in 1:1 is within the phrase, "(he) made it known..." The message comes from Jesus Christ, which was given to him by God (the Father) to transmit to his servant/s (originally John who is told to transmit the revelation to the 7 churches).
Plenary genitive: This is actually a combination of both the subjective and objective genitives. This retains both understandings which can be affirmed as true. "Since this is the title of his book-intended to describe the whole of the work-it may well be a plenary gen." (ibid.)
As you read the Revelation, consider both the method and line of transmission being communicated. As well it is important to make notes that the genitive here is much more than just a subjective genitive. This book is about Jesus Christ and his message to the 7 churches. This should dismiss any idea that the book is primarily about the end of the known world or even the downfall and judgement of evil. This things are secondary, and can only be understood once its message about Jesus has been understood.
Posts
