01 J. Things
Things
Revelation 1:1 “Things which must shortly come to pass.”
The Hebrew word dabar is probably the antecedent for this word translated ‘things.’ It is important to note that in the Hebrew it includes words, deeds, and material objects in its meaning, for in English it is commonly understood to mean ‘material objects’ only.
The word dabar reflects the power of the idea of the creative, active word, the logos. This Word of God is the prime mover in the original Creation. It is not a ‘vain,’ or empty word, for God cannot speak an empty or ineffectual word. His word is virile, producing. Lying prophets may speak vain words, but God cannot lie, so the “things,” or words which are about to be revealed in this book are God’s Words being fulfilled in the deeds of His actions.