What does it mean when Someone says "I am the Alpha and the Omega"?

Question

I know that means I am the begining and the End. But what exactly do they mean by that?

Answer 1

"the Alpha and the Omega"

You refer to "someone" using it. If you're talking about just anyone, in normal speech, then I doubt they have in mind, or even know, exactly what the original expression meant. Rather they are simply using it loosely to suggest that they think everything revolves around them. In this use, it's more likely to be spoken by someone to describe ANOTHER person's proud attitude, thinking they are in charge, and everyone ought to listen to them.

As for the origin --

First, as others have noted, alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, omega is the last. And so (It has nothing at all to do with the original meaning of shape of these letters. For that matter, Greek-speakers are hardly likely to have known that their letter "aleph" [a meaningless word in Greek] had anything at all to do with the head of an ox! And the omega would be a poor symbol of a circle since it is not closed, but is shaped more like a horseshoe.)

So, yes, it is a variation on "the First and the Last" as well as "the Beginning and the End". And, in fact, all three of these are used together in the book of Revelation - esp. in the first and last chapters (see 1:7, 18 and 22:13).

Also, all three of these expression DO suggest "and everything in between". That is, they are a "merismus" -- a common word device where two terms are used to summarize or depict the whole of something. (Compare "day and night" to indicate 'ALL times' or "people great and small" to speak of people from the most important to the least important... that is, the whole range of people.)

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BUT the original meaning of the term as first used (apparently) in Revelation is a bit more specific. In light of the context of these chapters, and the whole book, it is clear that the term is used (of God, and then of Jesus) to refer to the God and Lord of HISTORY -- the One who began everything and who will also bring it all to completion. This, of course, is a central point of the book of Revelation as a book of PROPHECY. It is clear already in the opening chapters in language about his being "the one who was and is and is to come", and reference to the book being about "things that are now and will take place later" (end of chapter 1).

Note that this whole use of "the Alpha and the Omega" is based on the OLDER expression "the First and the Last". This is a direct, deliberate echo of the prophecy of Isaiah, esp. of Isaiah 40-48. In these chapters, God announces that HE, the God who CREATED all things, and was there at the beginning, will carry out to the end all the things that he is promising. (He also contrasts his words with those of idols as not real, and not able to foretell things or to bring them to pass.) This is most clear in Isaiah 41, 44, 48, and in the use of "first" and "last" in 41:4, 44:6, 48:12.

So, Revelation is echoing on and building on these ideas from Isaiah -- that the One who is the Creator has history in his hands and will accomplish all the good things he is promising.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=29&chapter=41
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=29&chapter=44
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=29&chapter=48
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=73&chapter=1
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=73&chapter=22

Answer 2

Greek alphabets start with Alpha and End with Omega; sans the beginning and the end.

Answer 3

I am not Christian but though this is Christian theology, it draws precedence from Jewish, Greek and Phoenician concepts.

Since I am detached from Christian beliefs you would have to pardon me for using the term "purport" and use of lower case letters.

The person who says "I am the alpha and omega" would purport to be:
1. The beginning and the end
2. The head and source of existence
3. The end and completion of existence
4. The complete circle of existence.

The Greek letter alpha has its precedence in the Phoenician, Aramaic (and Hebrew and proto-Arabic as well) alphabet alif.
It was originally written graphically as a bull's head.
A bull signifies power and precedence. Alpha is the first character of the Greek alphabet as is alif the first character of the Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic alifbet.

Omega is the last character of the Greek alphabet. It means the big (mega) O. It could therefore be suggested that, besides being the end, the omega is also the big circle and the ultimate completion of existence.

Answer 4

That means that they think quite highly of themselves and are making sure you're aware of it, what else?

Duh!

Alpha & Omega = A & Z (Letters in the Greek alphabet)







P.S. My whole life, I've never heard anyone say that before, I swear! You do hang around some strange characters dude, lol!

Answer 5

Alpha is the first letter in the greek alphabet and Omega is the last

Answer 6

The quote is attributed to Jesus (someone else will have to cite chapter & verse). In the Greek alphabet, alpha is the first letter (like A) and omega the last. It is a way of saying "I am the all." or maybe "what I offer you encompasses everything you need." Perhaps all you need you can find in my teachings. Perhaps, I am the source of all answers. You get the idea.

Answer 7

Kind of the Lord of Everything, the Big Cheese, the Head Honcho, the Big Guy on the Block...bigger than everything else, anyway....

Answer 8

I think that phrase is quoted from the Scriptures and it means that nothing or no one exists before and after Him.

Answer 9

the beginning and the end.

Answer 10

It is Gods definition meaning that he is any/everything
with nothing in between
amen