JESUS DECLARES THAT "HE IS THE LORD JEHOVAH GOD "

 JESUS DECLARES THAT "HE IS THE LORD JEHOVAH GOD "

Author: Dr. Maxwell Shimba 

Jesus Declares, “I am the Alap and the Tau” – Understanding Revelation 1:8 in the Peshitta

In **Revelation 1:8** from the Peshitta Holy Bible, Jesus makes a profound statement: **"I am The Alap and The Tau, says THE LORD JEHOVAH God, he who is and has been and is coming, The Almighty."** This declaration is rich with theological significance, both in its affirmation of Christ’s divinity and in its portrayal of His eternal, unchanging nature. Through this statement, Jesus reveals His role as the beginning and the end, the origin and fulfillment of all things. This chapter will examine the layers of meaning behind the terms "Alap" and "Tau," using Bible verses, expository study, Strong’s Concordance, and comprehensive commentary.

### The Context of “I Am the Alap and the Tau”

The phrase **“I am the Alap and the Tau”** is the Aramaic equivalent of **“I am the Alpha and the Omega,”** found in many Greek translations of Revelation. "Alap" (Aramaic equivalent of the Greek "Alpha") and "Tau" (equivalent to "Omega") are the first and last letters of the Aramaic alphabet, just as Alpha and Omega are for the Greek alphabet. This phrase signifies Jesus’ encompassing presence over all time, existence, and purpose.

The phrase “I am” (*ena-na*, Strong’s G1473 for “I” and G1510 for “am”) is used to assert Christ’s divine identity. It connects back to God’s self-revelation in the Old Testament:

> **Exodus 3:14** – *“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’”* This declaration signifies God’s self-existence and eternal nature. By using "I am," Jesus aligns Himself with the God of Israel, reinforcing His identity as the eternal Lord.

### The Meaning of “Alap and Tau” – Jesus as the Beginning and the End

When Jesus says, **“I am the Alap and the Tau,”** He is proclaiming His sovereignty over creation and history. The statement emphasizes His role as the origin (the source) and the completion of all things. Everything in creation begins with Him, is sustained by Him, and will ultimately be fulfilled in Him.

> **Colossians 1:16-17** affirms Christ’s role in creation: *“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible... And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”* This underscores Jesus’ authority and power as both Creator and Sustainer.

> **Isaiah 44:6** echoes this theme, where God declares: *“I am the First, and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God.”* By using similar language, Jesus claims equality with God the Father, positioning Himself as the eternal and unchangeable foundation of all reality.

### “The Lord Jehovah” – The Divine Title

In the Peshitta, Jesus speaks as **“THE LORD JEHOVAH God.”** This divine title is particularly significant. “Jehovah” is derived from the Hebrew *YHWH*, the personal name of God revealed to Moses. When Jesus claims this title, He is identifying Himself as the same God who covenanted with Israel, led them through the wilderness, and spoke through the prophets.

The title “LORD” (Greek: *kurios*, Strong’s G2962) reflects divine authority, used to denote the sovereign ruler. By using this title, Jesus indicates that He is not only a divine messenger but the Lord Himself, with authority over life, death, and judgment.

> **Philippians 2:9-11** states, *“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”* This passage supports the notion that Jesus holds the divine title, indicating that His authority is absolute.

### “He Who Is and Has Been and Is Coming” – Jesus’ Eternal Nature

In describing Himself as **“He who is and has been and is coming,”** Jesus highlights His eternal and unchanging nature. This phrase speaks of His presence across all time—past, present, and future.

1. **He Who Is** – Jesus is eternally present, embodying the divine “I AM.” This corresponds with God’s timeless existence.

2. **He Who Has Been** – Jesus was present in the past, as seen through His role in creation and His work throughout history.

3. **He Who Is Coming** – Jesus’ future return as judge and ruler signifies His ongoing role in God’s redemptive plan.

> **Hebrews 13:8** reinforces this concept: *“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”* His unchanging nature brings assurance to believers that He remains the same in character and purpose throughout time.

### The Almighty – Jesus as Omnipotent

By describing Himself as **“The Almighty,”** Jesus asserts His omnipotence. This title, used throughout the Old Testament to describe God, indicates limitless power and authority. The term "Almighty" (Greek: *pantokratōr*, Strong’s G3841) suggests total sovereignty, emphasizing that all things are under His control.

> **Revelation 4:8** describes Jesus as *“Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”* In this verse, His omnipotence is worshiped by heavenly beings, highlighting that Jesus is the focal point of worship and reverence in heaven.

### Jesus as the Fulfillment of All Things

As the Alap and the Tau, Jesus signifies not only the beginning and end of creation but also the fulfillment of God’s promises and purposes. Every aspect of God’s redemptive plan finds its fulfillment in Christ, from the prophetic promises of the Old Testament to the hope of eternal life in the New Testament.

> **2 Corinthians 1:20** states, *“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”* This passage reminds believers that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that God has promised, the ultimate assurance of salvation and eternal life.

### Jesus’ Authority Over Time and Eternity

By positioning Himself as the beginning and the end, Jesus asserts His authority over time and eternity. He exists outside the constraints of time, yet He entered time to bring salvation to humanity. His identity as the Alap and the Tau reassures believers that He is in control of both the past and the future, making Him a sure foundation for their faith.

> **Revelation 22:13** echoes this truth, with Jesus saying, *“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”* This affirmation closes the book of Revelation, underscoring the completeness and totality of His authority.

### The Assurance of Jesus’ Return

Finally, the phrase **“He who is coming”** reminds believers of Jesus’ promise to return. His role as the Alap and the Tau includes His second coming, where He will establish His kingdom in fullness and bring about final judgment and restoration.

> **Acts 1:11** confirms this promise: *“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”* Believers can find hope and anticipation in Jesus’ return, knowing that He will bring an end to suffering, injustice, and death.

> **Revelation 21:6-7** also looks forward to the final fulfillment of God’s plan: *“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”* Here, Jesus reassures believers that eternal life and divine fulfillment await those who trust in Him.

### Conclusion: Living in Light of the Alap and the Tau

The declaration, **“I am the Alap and the Tau,”** reveals Jesus as the eternal, omnipotent God who holds the past, present, and future in His hands. This truth has profound implications for believers, assuring them of Christ’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and ultimate victory. As the beginning and end, Jesus embodies the fullness of God’s redemptive plan and provides a foundation for hope, purpose, and trust.

Believers are called to live in light of this reality, knowing that Jesus, the Alap and the Tau, is with them in every season of life. His eternal nature and unchanging love offer security and hope, even in the midst of trials. In Him, they find the assurance that He who began a good work in them will bring it to completion (**Philippians 1:6**), fulfilling all that He has promised and restoring all things unto Himself.

Shalom 

Dr. Maxwell Shimba 

Shimba Theological Institute 

November 5, 2024

Shimba Bible Study Series 

The Divinity of Jesus

Peshitta Translation used by permission