Category: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
He sent and communicated it by His angel. The visual, graphic nature of this book is also expressed with the Greek word semaino (rendered variously: "signified," KJV; "made known," NIV and ESV; "communicated," NASB). It is part of a family of words which connote a particular way of communicating—through signs. Sema, means 'sign'; a semeion is a sign, or miracle, or portent. John is explaining right here at the beginning of The Revelation that Jesus expressed His message in signs and symbols. We are given at the front the key to unlocking its mysteries. It is a book of signals and representations. Therefore, we ought to beware of a "literal interpretation," and should rather seek to discern the intended meaning being conveyed by each symbol. By its own acknowledgment, The Revelation is to be understood symbolically.