In the Hebrew, the two words, first and last, are separate; only in the Greek do they combine into one name of God. Like other names of God that express His eternal nature, this name indicates that He spans time, controlling its origin and its conclusion. God is the One who declares the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10).
First (Ri’shon) in the Hebrew text of Isaiah 44:6.
First in Hebrew:
Ri’shon
Strong’s Concordance number: 7223
Bible references: Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6 KJV)
The Hebrew word meaning Last (’Akharon) in the text of Isaiah 44:6.
Last in Hebrew:
’Akharon
Strong’s Concordance number: 314
Bible references: Isa. 44:6; 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. (Isaiah 48:12 KJV)
The First and Last in Greek:
The First and the Last in the Greek text of Rev. 22:13.
Ho prōtos kai ho eschatos
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 4413, 2078
Bible references: Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13 (all are spoken by Jesus).
John tells us, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last.” (Revelation 1:17 KJV)
Jesus (Yeshua‘) also spoke this name in conjunction with two others: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:13 KJV)
Similar names for God and Jesus are: the beginning and the end, Him who has been from the beginning, The Alpha and the Omega, and Eternal God or Everlasting God.
