I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

This line comes from the Christian New Testament, in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John recounts a visionary encounter on the island of Patmos. In Revelation 1, John describes seeing the glorified “Son of man” who identifies himself with divine titles and reassures John not to fear. The declaration “I am he that liveth, and was dead” frames Jesus’ death and resurrection as the decisive victory over the powers that terrify humanity—death and the realm of the dead. The imagery of “keys” evokes authority and control, presenting the risen Christ as sovereign over final judgment and the fate of souls.

The speaker asserts an identity grounded in paradox: once dead, now living forever. The statement functions as both testimony and reassurance—death is not ultimate because the risen Christ has passed through it and now holds authority over it. “Keys of hell and of death” symbolizes dominion: the power to open and shut, to release or confine, and ultimately to determine destiny. In Revelation’s broader apocalyptic setting, the line strengthens persecuted believers by portraying history as governed not by imperial violence or mortality, but by a transcendent ruler whose resurrection guarantees endurance and final vindication.

“Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and Hades.” (common modern translation)
“I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
“I am the first and the last… I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore… and have the keys of hell and of death.” (with/without the surrounding clause depending on citation)