God's Blessing

Revelation 22 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me,
9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

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The True Meaning of Revelation 22

The Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, was written by the apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. This chapter describes the culmination of God’s plan for the world, revealing the eternal state of the new heaven and new earth. John in this passage provides a glimpse into the glorious future that awaits those who have placed their faith in Christ. He describes the river of life, the tree of life, and the absence of any curse, shedding light on the restored relationship between God and His people. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of rejecting the truth, echoing the warnings found in earlier books such as Deuteronomy and Proverbs. As we delve into this profound chapter, we will be reminded of God’s unwavering love, His ultimate victory over evil, and the eternal hope that He offers to all who believe. This passage serves as a powerful encouragement to persevere in our faith, knowing that the ultimate reward is a life in the presence of our Almighty God.

Revelation 22:1-5

The passage in Revelation 22:1-5 describes the vision of a new heaven and a new earth that John sees. Identify the subject: We

Start the sentence with that: We will break down this verse into important sections and delve into their meaning. “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb”
– Here, John sees a river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. This imagery symbolizes the eternal life and blessings that come from God. Water often represents purity, cleansing, and life in the Bible. The river of the water of life signifies the abundant and eternal life offered to believers in God’s kingdom.

  1. “Down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

  2. The tree of life is a significant symbol found in both Genesis and Revelation. The tree of life is freely accessible to all who dwell in the new Jerusalem, unlike in the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve were forbidden from eating from it after they sinned. The fruit and leaves of the tree of life are for the healing and sustenance of the nations, emphasizing the restoration and wholeness that comes from being in God’s presence.

  3. “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.”

  4. This verse highlights the removal of the curse that came as a result of sin in the world. There will be no more suffering, pain, or death in the new Jerusalem. The presence of God and the Lamb in the city symbolizes the constant communion and worship of God by His people. This speaks to the eternal state of believers where they will serve and worship God unhindered by sin or its consequences.

  5. “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”

  6. The intimacy and closeness with God are emphasized in this verse. Believers in the new Jerusalem will have direct access to God and will bear His name as a mark of ownership and identity. This recalls the promise of God’s presence and favor, as seen in passages like Exodus 33:14 and Deuteronomy 31:6.

  7. “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”

  8. The absence of night signifies the perpetual presence of God’s light and glory in the new Jerusalem. The reliance on artificial sources of light like lamps or the sun is no longer necessary because God Himself illuminates everything. Believers are promised an eternal reign with God, reflecting the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and His eternal rule as promised throughout the Bible. Revelation 22:1-5 paints a vivid picture of the eternal state of believers in God’s kingdom, filled with life, healing, restoration, worship, intimacy with God, and everlasting light. It brings together themes of redemption, restoration, and the ultimate victory of God over sin and death, offering hope and assurance to all who believe in Him.

Revelation 22:6-11

Several important sections in Revelation 22:6-11 deserve attention for a thorough understanding of its message. Let’s break it down section by section.

Verse 6 starts with “The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’” Here, the angel is affirming the reliability of the words being shared with John. There is reassurance in the trustworthiness and truth of the message. This emphasis on truth highlights the importance of the revelation John is receiving and how it should be taken seriously. This mirrors the teachings found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states that all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness.

Moving on to verse 7, which says, “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” This statement emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus, and the blessing promised to those who adhere to the teachings and prophecies contained in the book of Revelation. It serves as a reminder for believers to remain faithful and obedient, as echoed in Matthew 24:44, where Jesus instructs us to be ready for his return because no one knows the exact time. A shift to a warning about not adding or taking away from the words of the prophecy occurs after John responds to the angel’s words in verse 8. This is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 4:2, where the Israelites were commanded not to add or subtract from God’s commands. It reinforces the seriousness of the message being conveyed and the importance of preserving its integrity.

Lastly, in verses 10-11, the angel directs John to not seal up the words of the prophecy, as the time is near. This implies that the message is meant to be shared and understood, rather than kept hidden. It aligns with the call for believers to be vigilant and prepared for the return of Christ, as emphasized in passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:6. The urgency in these verses underscores the need for readiness and faithfulness among believers. Revelation 22:6-11 conveys a message of trustworthiness, blessings for obedience, warnings against altering God’s word, and the imminence of Christ’s return. These themes echo throughout the Bible, emphasizing the consistent call for faithfulness, obedience, and preparedness in anticipation of the coming of the Lord.

Revelation 22:12-17

Several important sections in Revelation 22:12-17 warrant deeper exploration. Let’s break it down step by step to understand its profound message in the context of the book of Revelation.

Firstly, in verse 12, it says, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Here, Jesus affirms his imminent return and the significance of his reward. This echoes Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” This highlights the biblical principle of accountability and judgment for our actions. It emphasizes the importance of leading a righteous life and doing good works in accordance with God’s will.

Moving on to verse 13, it states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” This powerful declaration reaffirms Jesus’ divinity and his eternal nature. The titles “Alpha and Omega” signify that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things. It echoes similar statements made in Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 21:6, reinforcing the eternal sovereignty and omnipotence of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God and his authority over the entire universe.

Verse 14 continues, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” The imagery of washing robes symbolizes the cleansing of sins through faith in Jesus Christ. This connects back to Revelation 7:14, which speaks of those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The “tree of life” mentioned here harks back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis, symbolizing eternal life and fellowship with God restored through Jesus Christ. It underscores the blessedness of those who have accepted salvation and have the promise of entrance into the heavenly city. Jesus declares in verse 16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.” I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Here, Jesus identifies himself as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy concerning the lineage of David. This is in line with the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1 about a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse, David’s father. Jesus is not only the Root of David, signifying his pre-existence and divinity, but also the Offspring of David, fulfilling the promised lineage through which the Messiah would come. The reference to the “bright Morning Star” conveys the idea of Jesus as the light of the world, bringing hope and salvation to all who believe in him.

Lastly, in verse 17, it says, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” This invitation echoes the universal call of salvation that is extended to all. It mirrors Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The imagery of the water of life points to the spiritual sustenance and eternal refreshment that Jesus provides to those who come to him in faith. This verse underscores the inclusivity of God’s grace and mercy, inviting all who are willing to partake in the gift of salvation. Revelation 22:12-17 encapsulates the themes of judgment, reward, divine sovereignty, salvation, and the universal invitation to partake in the water of life offered by Jesus Christ. It serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal truths and promises revealed in the book of Revelation, reinforcing the overarching message of hope, redemption, and victory through Christ for all believers.

Revelation 22:18-21

The passage in Revelation 22:18-21 begins with a strong warning about adding or taking away from the words of the prophecy of the book of Revelation. This emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of God’s Word and not distorting or altering it in any way. Distorting the message and risking facing the plagues written in the book can occur by adding or removing from the prophecy. This warning is a reminder of the sacredness and completeness of God’s revelation to humanity, and the seriousness with which we should approach His Word.

The consequences of tampering with God’s Word are severe, as mentioned in verse 19. Those who distort the message will have their share in the holy city, New Jerusalem, taken away and be denied access to the tree of life. This serves as a stark reminder of the eternal significance of faithfully adhering to the teachings found in the Bible. The imagery of being excluded from the New Jerusalem and the tree of life alludes to being separated from God’s presence and the eternal life He offers. Jesus declares His imminent return in verse 20, saying, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’” This promise of Jesus’ return underscores the hope and expectation that Christians hold onto, eagerly awaiting His second coming. This theme of Jesus’ return is woven throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and vigilant for the coming of the Lord.

The final verse, 21, closes the book of Revelation with a benediction. It highlights the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This trinitarian blessing encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith – the grace that comes through Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of believers with the Holy Spirit. The verse serves as a fitting conclusion to the book of Revelation, affirming the triune nature of God and the divine unity within the Godhead. Revelation 22:18-21 serves as a poignant conclusion to the book of Revelation, reinforcing the importance of upholding the integrity of God’s Word, the certainty of Jesus’ return, and the blessings that come from God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The passage urges believers to faithfully hold onto the teachings of the Bible, remain watchful for Jesus’ return, and experience the fullness of God’s grace, love, and fellowship.

After Revelation 22

The final paragraph of the summary of this chapter is as follows:

The angel then revealed to John the ultimate fate of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked would be cast into the lake of fire, where they would suffer eternal torment. But the righteous would dwell in the new Jerusalem, the holy city of God, where they would enjoy eternal life in the presence of the Almighty. This vision of the end times filled John’s heart with both dread and hope, as he contemplated the gravity of the choices that lay before all of humanity. The next chapter would explore the call to repentance and the promise of salvation, urging all who would hear to turn from their sinful ways and embrace the love of God.