REV 1:9 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

OET (OET-RV) I, Yohan, am your brother and partner in the suffering that’s typical of those who follow Yeshua. I’ve been exiled to Patmos Island where I endure because I believe God’s message and Yeshua’s testimony and look forward to his kingdom.

Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, pink:genitive/possessor, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT I, John, your brother and partner in the suffering and kingdom and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

UST I, John, believe in Jesus as you do. Like you, I am patiently enduring the troubles that everyone experiences whose life Jesus rules. The Roman government had put me in exile on the island of Patmos because I was telling people God’s message about who Jesus is.

BSB I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance [that are] in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and [my] testimony about Jesus.

MSB I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance [that are] in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and [my] testimony about Jesus Christ.[fn]

BLB I John, your brother and fellow-partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

AICNT I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance {in}[fn] [[Christ]][fn] {Jesus},[fn] was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and [[for]][fn] the testimony of Jesus [[Christ]].[fn]

1:9, in: Later manuscripts read “of.” TR

1:9, Christ: Some manuscripts include. A(02) (instead of “Jesus”) BYZ (before “Jesus”) TR (after “Jesus”)

1:9, Jesus: Some manuscripts read “Christ.” rather than “Jesus.” A(02)

1:9, for: Some manuscripts include. ℵ(01) TR BYZ THGNT ‖ Absent from A(02) C(04) NA28 SBLGNT.

1:9, Christ: Later manuscripts add. BYZ TR

OEB I, John, who am your brother, and who share with you in the suffering and kingship and endurance of Jesus, found myself on the island called Patmos, for the sake of the message of God and the testimony to Jesus.

WEBBE I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

WMBB I Yochanan, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Messiah Yeshua, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah.

NET I, John, your brother and the one who shares with you in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.

LSV I, John, who [am] also your brother, and fellow-partner in the tribulation, and in the kingdom and endurance of Jesus Christ, was in the island that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ;

FBV I am John, your brother who shares with you in the suffering and in the kingdom and in the patient waiting that are our experience in Jesus. I was detained on the island of Patmos for sharing the word of God and the truth as revealed by Jesus.

TCNT I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation, kingdom, and endurance that are [fn]in Christ Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus [fn]Christ.

1:9 in Christ Jesus 𝔐^C,K 66.1% ¦ of Jesus Christ 𝔐^A TR 25.7% ¦ in Jesus CT 3.9% ¦ in Jesus Christ ANT 0.4%

1:9 Christ 𝔐^A+,C,K [81.3%] ¦ — 𝔐^A− CT [17.8%]

T4T I, John, your fellow believer, am suffering as you are because of our letting Jesus rule our lives. We are steadfastly enduring trials because of our relationship with him. I was punished by being sent/exiled to Patmos island because of my proclaiming God’s message and telling people about Jesus.

LEB I, John, your brother and co-sharer in the affliction and kingdom and steadfastness in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.

BBE I, John, your brother, who have a part with you in the trouble and the kingdom and the quiet strength of Jesus, was in the island which is named Patmos, for the word of God and the witness of Jesus.

Moff I John, your brother and your companion in the distress and realm and patient endurance which Jesus brings, found myself in the island called Patmos, for adhering to God's word and the testimony of Jesus.

Wymth I John, your brother, and a sharer with you in the sorrows and Kingship and patient endurance of Jesus, found myself in the island of Patmos, on account of the Word of God and the truth told us by Jesus.

ASV I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

DRA I John, your brother and your partner in tribulation, and in the kingdom, and patience in Christ Jesus, was in the island, which is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus.

YLT I, John, who also [am] your brother, and fellow-partner in the tribulation, and in the reign and endurance, of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ;

Drby I John, your brother and fellow-partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and patience, in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, for the word of [fn]God, and for the testimony of Jesus.

1.9 Elohim

RV I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

SLT I John, and your brother, and partaker in pressure, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, I was in the island called Patmos, for the sake of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Wbstr I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

KJB-1769 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

KJB-1611 I Iohn, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimonie of Iesus Christ.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from capitalisation)

Bshps I Iohn, your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christe, was in the Ile that is called Pathmos, for ye worde of God, and for the witnessyng of Iesus Christe.
(I Yohn, your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Yesus/Yeshua Christ, was in the Isle/Island that is called Pathmos, for ye/you_all word of God, and for the witnessing of Yesus/Yeshua Christ.)

Gnva I Iohn, euen your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ, was in the yle called Patmos, for the worde of God, and for the witnessing of Iesus Christ.
(I Yohn, even your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Yesus/Yeshua Christ, was in the isle/island called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Yesus/Yeshua Christ. )

Cvdl I Ihon youre brother and copanyon in tribulacion, and in the kyngdome and paciece which is in Iesu Christe, was in the yle of Pathmos for the worde of God, and for ye witnessynge of Iesu Christe.
(I Yohn your(pl) brother and copanyon in tribulation, and in the kingdom and paciece which is in Yesu Christ, was in the isle/island of Pathmos for the word of God, and for ye/you_all witnessinge of Yesu Christ.)

TNT I Ihon youre brother and companyon in tribulacion and in the kyngdom and pacience which is in Iesu Christe was in the yle of Pathmos for the worde of god and for the witnessynge of Iesu Christe.
(I Yohn your(pl) brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience which is in Yesu Christ was in the isle/island of Pathmos for the word of god and for the witnessinge of Yesu Christ. )

Wycl I, Joon, youre brothir, and partener in tribulacioun, and kingdom, and pacience in Crist Jhesu, was in an ile, that is clepid Pathmos, for the word of God, and for the witnessyng of Jhesu.
(I, Yohn, your(pl) brother, and partner in tribulation, and kingdom, and patience in Christ Yhesu, was in an ile, that is called Pathmos, for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Yhesu.)

Luth Ich, Johannes, der auch euer Bruder und Mitgenosse an der Trübsal ist und am Reich und an der Geduld JEsu Christi, war auf der Insel, die da heißt Patmos, um des Wortes Gottes willen und des Zeugnisses JEsu Christi.
(I, Yohannes, the/of_the also your(pl) brother and Mitgenosse at/to the/of_the gloom/sorrow/afflictions is and in/at/on_the kingdom and at/to the/of_the Geduld Yesu Christi, what/which on/in/to the/of_the Insel, the there is_called Patmos, around/by/for the wordss God’s will and the certificate Yesu Christi.)

ClVg Ego Joannes frater vester, et particeps in tribulatione, et regno, et patientia in Christo Jesu: fui in insula, quæ appellatur Patmos, propter verbum Dei, et testimonium Jesu:[fn]
(I Yoannes brother your, and participant in/into/on tribulation, and kingdom, and patience/endurance in/into/on to_Christ/Messiah Yesu: I_was in/into/on island, which is_called Patmos, because the_word/saying of_God, and testimony Yesu: )

1.9 Ego Joannes. Finita salutatione, progreditur ad narrationem, imponendo quatuor, personam, locum, causam ipsius loci, tempus, quæ valent ad commendationem ipsius revelationis. Ego Joannes. Quasi dicat: Scio quia tribulamini, sed exemplo Christi patienter sufferatis, ut sitis participes regni ipsius. Frater vester, etc., in Christo. In fidei unitate, et propter illam fidem tribulatus fui, sicut et alii, per quod ad regnum pervenire patienter sustinui, habendo Christum in omnibus exemplum. Pathmos. Id est fretum, scilicet tribulatio, in qua magis cœlestia a fidelibus aperiuntur. Ecclesia comparatur insulæ, quia sicut insula marinis procellis illiditur, ita Ecclesia persecutionibus marinorum, id est mundanorum, affligitur. Propter verbum Dei. Id est, propter testimonium divinitati et humanitati exhibitum.

1.9 I Yoannes. Finita salutatione, progreditur to tellsionem, imposendo four, person, place, cause of_his/her_own loci, time/season, which they_are_strong to recommendsionem of_his/her_own revelationis. I Yoannes. As_if let_him_say: Scio because tribulamini, but example of_Christ patiently sufferatis, as thirsts participants of_the_kingdom of_his/her_own. Frater your, etc., in/into/on to_Christ/Messiah. In of_faith unity, and because her faith tribulatus I_was, like and others, through that to kingdom to_arrive patiently I_endured, habendo Christ/Messiah in/into/on to_all exemplum. Pathmos. That it_is strait, namely tribulation, in/into/on which more heaven from to_the_faithful aperiuntur. Assembly/Church is_compared islands, because like island of_the_seanis procellis themditur, so/thus Assembly/Church persecutionibus of_the_seanorum, that it_is cleannorum, affligitur. Because the_word/saying of_God. That it_is, because testimony divinitati and humanitati exhibited.

UGNT ἐγὼ Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν, καὶ συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ, ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ, διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ.
(egō Yōannaʸs, ho adelfos humōn, kai sunkoinōnos en taʸ thlipsei, kai basileia, kai hupomonaʸ, en Yaʸsou, egenomaʸn en taʸ naʸsōi taʸ kaloumenaʸ Patmōi, dia ton logon tou Theou kai taʸn marturian Yaʸsou.)

SBL-GNT Ἐγὼ Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν καὶ ⸀συγκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει καὶ βασιλείᾳ καὶ ὑπομονῇ ⸀ἐν Ἰησοῦ, ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ ⸀καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ⸀Ἰησοῦ.
(Egō Yōannaʸs, ho adelfos humōn kai ⸀sugkoinōnos en taʸ thlipsei kai basileia kai hupomonaʸ ⸀en Yaʸsou, egenomaʸn en taʸ naʸsōi taʸ kaloumenaʸ Patmōi dia ton logon tou theou ⸀kai taʸn marturian ⸀Yaʸsou.)

RP-GNT Ἐγὼ Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν καὶ κοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει καὶ βασιλείᾳ καὶ ὑπομονῇ ἐν χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ, διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ.
(Egō Yōannaʸs, ho adelfos humōn kai koinōnos en taʸ thlipsei kai basileia kai hupomonaʸ en ⱪristōi Yaʸsou, egenomaʸn en taʸ naʸsōi taʸ kaloumenaʸ Patmōi, dia ton logon tou theou kai dia taʸn marturian Yaʸsou ⱪristou.)

TC-GNT Ἐγὼ [fn]Ἰωάννης, ὁ [fn]ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν καὶ [fn]κοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει καὶ [fn]βασιλείᾳ καὶ ὑπομονῇ [fn]ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ [fn]διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ [fn]Χριστοῦ.
(Egō Yōannaʸs, ho adelfos humōn kai koinōnos en taʸ thlipsei kai basileia kai hupomonaʸ en Ⱪristōi Yaʸsou, egenomaʸn en taʸ naʸsōi taʸ kaloumenaʸ Patmōi dia ton logon tou Theou kai dia taʸn marturian Yaʸsou Ⱪristou. )

1:9 ιωαννης 𝔐^A,C,K [99.1%] ¦ ιωανης WH [0.9%]

1:9 αδελφος 𝔐^A,C,K [99.1%] ¦ και αδελφος TR [0.9%]

1:9 κοινωνος𝔐^C,K [56.4%] ¦ συγκοινωνος 𝔐^A ANT ECM^† NA SBL TR [39.9%] ¦ συνκοινωνος TH WH [3.2%]

1:9 βασιλεια 𝔐^C,K [72.1%] ¦ εν τη βασιλεια 𝔐^A TR [25.6%]

1:9 εν χριστω ιησου 𝔐^C,K 66.1% ¦ ιησου χριστου 𝔐^A TR 25.7% ¦ εν ιησου CT 3.9% ¦ εν ιησου χριστω ANT 0.4%

1:9 δια 𝔐^A+,C,K 73.6% ¦ — 𝔐^A− NA SBL TH WH 26%

1:9 χριστου 𝔐^A+,C,K [81.3%] ¦ — 𝔐^A− CT [17.8%]

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 1:9–20: John introduced the revelation

In this section, John told the seven churches that he was exiled on the island of Patmos because he had preached about Jesus. The people in the seven churches had also suffered for the sake of Jesus. So John indicated that they all shared in that suffering. He explained where he was and why he was there. He then began to tell his vision of Jesus and what Jesus revealed to him.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

Preliminary vision (NJB)

John told/described his first vision

Introduction to what God revealed to John

1:9a–e

(reordered) I, John, proclaimed the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Therefore I was put/exiled on the island of Patmos. I am your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus.

(reordered) I, John, preached the word from God and testified/witnessed about Jesus. Therefore some people sent me to the island of Patmos. I am a fellow believer with you and share with you in suffering hardship, in doing the King’s work and in enduring/persevering, since we^(incl) all follow Jesus together.

This verse is one long sentence. In some languages it is more natural to use shorter sentences. For example:

I, John, am your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus. One day, I was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

1:9a

I, John, your brother and partner

¶ I, John, your^(plur) brother and your partner
¶ I, John, am a fellow believer with you and share with you

I, John: John included his name here to clearly say who was speaking, because in the previous verse God referred to himself with the pronoun “I.” Reintroduce John in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

I, John, speak/write to you. I,…

I am John,…

your brother: Here the word brother indicates that John was also a believer, like believers in the churches. Using the word brother indicates that he had a close relationship with his readers.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate a literal brother. If that is true in your language, you may need to:

Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
your brother in Christ
Use a different word or phrase. For example:
your fellow believer
a follower together with all of you (CEV)

partner: The Greek word that the BSB translates as partner refers to someone who shares something with someone else. Here John and the believers shared faith in Jesus. They also shared in suffering for Jesus’ sake, and in being part of God’s kingdom, and in enduring (1:9b). Other ways to translate the Greek word are:

companion (NIV)

one who shares with

1:9b

in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance

in persecution, in the kingdom, and in patience to endure
in suffering hardship, in doing the King’s work and in enduring/persevering,

in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance: This phrase indicates that John and his readers shared in three things. They shared in tribulation, they shared in the kingdom, and they shared in perseverance. The three abstract nouns tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance can all be translated as verbs, since they refer to something that John and his readers did together. They all suffered, they all lived in God’s kingdom, and they all endured patiently.

In the Greek, these three things are closely connected in the grammar.All three are datives under one Greek article. So some English versions interpret the grammar to indicate that the terms modify each other rather than refer to three separate actions. For example:

in patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom (GNT)

However, in some languages it is more natural to translate them as three separate actions. See examples in the Display.

tribulation: The word tribulation refers to the trouble and pain that people endure. Other ways to translate this word are:

suffering (NIV)

hardships (NJB)

we^(incl) all suffer troubles

kingdom: The word kingdom refers to God ruling over his people. John and his readers were companions in the kingdom because they all belonged to God’s kingdom. They all acknowledged God as their king, and they all lived under God’s rule. John and his readers shared in the blessings of the kingdom and its work.

In some languages it is necessary or more natural to add a verb here. For example:

we ^(incl) all belong to God’s kingdom

together we follow God as king

all of us live under God’s rule

perseverance: The Greek word that the BSB translates as perseverance refers to continuing to follow God even though facing hardships or opposition. Other ways to translate the Greek word are:

patient endurance (NIV)

patience to continue (NCV)

we(incl) all patiently endure

how we patiently endure difficulties/suffering/persecution

1:9c

that are in Jesus,

in Jesus,
since we^(incl) all follow Jesus together.

that are in Jesus: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as that are in Jesus probably applies to the whole phrase “your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance” (1:9a–b). All those things are true or occur in a relationship with Jesus. John and his readers had a relationship with Jesus, so they suffered for the same reasons, shared in the kingdom of God, and patiently endured troubles for the same reasons.

Your translation of this phrase should refer to those shared experiences. Other ways to translate it are:

as we (incl) are all in Jesus

as we follow Jesus together

General Comment on 1:9a–c

In some languages it is more natural to put the phrase “in Jesus” in a different place. For example:

^9aI John, your brother, who share with you ^9cin Jesus ^9bthe tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance (RSV)

^9aI am John, your brother, and ^9cas a follower of Jesus ^9aI am your partner ^9bin patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom (GNT)

1:9d

was on the island of Patmos

was put/exiled on the island called Patmos
I was sent to Patmos Island

was on the island of Patmos: The Greek word that the BSB translates as was can also be translated as “came to be.” John did not plan to be on Patmos. It happened because God planned it. The Greek grammar does not indicate whether or not John was still on Patmos when he wrote Revelation after receiving these visions.

1:9e probably implies that the Roman authorities exiled John to Patmos. So some English versions use a passive clause. The passive clause in English implies that John did not go to the island voluntarily. For example:

I was sent to Patmos Island (CEV)

I was put on the island of Patmos (GNT)

But the verb was probably indicates that, for this letter, it was not important to John whether or not he was exiled.

the island of Patmos: The Greek word that the BSB translates as of is literally “being called.” It indicates that Patmos was the name of the island. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the island called Patmos (RSV)

Patmos Island (CEV)

island: An island is land that is completely surrounded by water. Patmos is in the Aegean Sea. It is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the mainland, which was the Roman province of Asia. Patmos is about 12 kilometers (8 miles) long from the northern end to the southern end. It is about 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide at its widest place.

1:9e

because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.

because of the word from God and the witness of/about Jesus.
because I proclaimed the word from God and testified/witnessed about Jesus.

because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus: This clause indicates that someone, probably Roman authorities, put John on Patmos (as punishment) because he preached the word of God and my testimony about Jesus. The Roman emperor insisted that everyone worship him as a god. Those who believed in Jesus refused to do that. The Roman authorities probably exiled John to Patmos because he was preaching about believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.Osborne (page 82) says, “The context with Patmos here makes it more likely, however, that the two phrases speak of the reason John was exiled. Still, the meaning is similar to that of 1:2. The two phrases mean that John was banished because of his preaching ‘the word of God’ and ‘witnessing for Jesus.’” Aune, Beale, Lenski, and Smalley also support this interpretation.

There is no subject or verb in this phrase. John was probably talking about himself and what he did. In some languages it is more natural to make the subject and verb/verbs explicit. For example:

because I proclaimed the word of God and the testimony of Jesus

because I had preached God’s word and the message about Jesus (NCV)

because I had declared God’s word and told/testified about Jesus

of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus: Here the phrase refers to an earlier time when John was still in the province of Asia. John used the same phrase in 1:2 to connect to that verse, but he implies a connected-but-different meaning. Here it refers more generally to the Scriptures and the gospel about Jesus. John preached the gospel in Asia. Other ways to translate it are:

of the Word of God and of witness to Jesus (NJB)

for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus (NLT)

of God’s word and the testimony about Jesus (GW)

my testimony about Jesus: In Greek this phrase is literally “the testimony of Jesus” (as in the ESV). The word “of” has several meanings. There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

The testimony is about Jesus. For example:
the testimony about Jesus (GW) (BSB, NJB, NABRE, NLT, GW, CEV, NET, REB, NCV)
Jesus gave the testimony. For example:
the truth that Jesus revealed (GNT) (GNT)

Many English versions translate this literally as “of.” It is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow. You may also translate this phrase so that it allows both interpretations. But some languages must choose one of the interpretations. If that is true in your language, follow interpretation (1). Other ways to translate this phrase are:

I…had told about Jesus (CEV)

I had…borne witness to Jesus (JBP)

testimony: The word testimony means “the words spoken about what one saw or heard.” The word testimony is often used when the person speaking is expected to be truthful and accurate (as in a court of law). Other ways to translate this word are:

witness (NJB)

message of what they saw and heard

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ὁ ἀδελφὸς

the (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἐγώ Ἰωάννης ὁ ἀδελφός ὑμῶν καί συγκοινωνός ἐν τῇ θλίψει καί βασιλείᾳ καί ὑπομονῇ ἐν Ἰησοῦ ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ διά τόν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τήν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ)

John is using the term brother to indicate that he has the same faith as the people to whom he is writing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [fellow believer]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἐγώ Ἰωάννης ὁ ἀδελφός ὑμῶν καί συγκοινωνός ἐν τῇ θλίψει καί βασιλείᾳ καί ὑπομονῇ ἐν Ἰησοῦ ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ διά τόν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τήν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ)

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of suffering, kingdom, and endurance, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [someone who is patiently enduring while suffering just as you are because we are loyal to Jesus as our king]

ἐν Ἰησοῦ

in in Jesus

Alternate translation: [that people who follow Jesus experience]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ

the the island ¬which ˓being˒_called Patmos

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the island that people call Patmos]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

John is using the term word to mean the message from God that he had shared by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the message from God]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of testimony. This does not mean testimony that Jesus himself gave; it means testimony that John gave about Jesus. Alternate translation: [the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus]

Parallel REV 1:9