Revelation Chapter 22-A Verse By Verse Bible Study

Revelation Chapter 22

In this final chapter of Revelation, Revelation chapter 22, the Apostle John’s vision of the future New Jerusalem continues in the first five verses. The last verses are a satisfying ending to the entire Book of Revelation.

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Revelation 22:1-River of Life

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (KJV)

The water mentioned here, which I believe is very real water, is also symbolic of spiritual, life-giving truth, which will be abundant in the new heaven and new Earth.

Revelation 22:2-Tree of Life

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (KJV)

This is an enigmatic verse, possibly the most mysterious verse in the entire Book of Revelation. The tree of life, first introduced in Genesis 2:9, is revealed, preserved for centuries, and inhabits the new heaven and new Earth. Other than this obvious information, this verse raises far more questions than answers. Here are some of my questions:

• The Bible says the tree of life will yield her fruit every month. So, does this mean there will be such a thing as time?
• How long is a month in the new heaven and new Earth? For example, there are twelve months in our Earth year. There are 687 days in a Martian year, which is about 1 7/8 times longer than a year on Earth. So, how is time exactly reckoned when it comes to heaven? An Earth year? A Martian year? Something else? Since it is the reasonable thing that the Bible means a month as we reckon time, yet, if we are in eternity, and time is ended, how can there be such a thing as a “month?”
• What type of maladies will the nations have to require these leaves for healing? If the former things are passed away, such as pain and sorrow (Revelation 21:4), why is there a need for healing leaves?
• Will there be wounds and sickness both without death in the new heaven and new Earth? Again, I refer to Revelation 21:4.
• Who will compose the nations that are mentioned here? In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul writes “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (KJV). If so, why is there a need for nations?

Revelation 22:3-No Curse

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: (KJV)

The curse that God cursed the old Earth in Genesis after the fall of man will not be present on this new Earth. Instead of a curse, there will be a blessing as the throne of God will be “in,” not “on,” this new Earth. This new Earth will be one of activity since God’s servants will continue to serve Him.

Revelation 22:4-They Shall See God

And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (KJV)

There will be fellowship with God in this new Earth. His name will be in the foreheads of His servants; this is a mark of ownership. It may be this special mark will distinguish God’s servants from those who will compose the “nations.”

Revelation 22:5-No Night

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (KJV)

This verse, the last verse that describes the new heaven and new Earth, seems to imply that in this new world there will be a single, long, beautiful, never-ending day. Again, the verb “reign” gives the impression of activity, even privileged activity. If God’s servants will reign, obviously they will have some sort of subjects to reign over.

Revelation 22:6-Book Of Revelation Is True

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. (KJV)

This verse is the first of the ending of the Book of Revelation. The angel reiterates the fact that all the Apostle John saw and heard were true. The purpose of the Book of Revelation is for God’s servants to know what God will soon do.

Revelation 22:7-Jesus Is Coming Quickly

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (KJV)

The speaker of this verse is unknown. Possibly, the angel only repeated the message from God, and the “I” is Jesus Christ. But the message is clear ─ those who believe the message of this book will be blessed.

Revelation 22:8-John Was Overwhelmed

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. (KJV)

Again, John was overwhelmed with the information he had been given and tried to worship the angel.

Revelation 22:9-Angel Worship Forbidden

Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. (KJV)

And again, the angel rebuked John, explaining that he, the angel, is on the same level as the human John. Angels are not worshipped. The angel explained that in spite of the fact that he had such great knowledge to impart, he was of the same status as those who obey God. The angel tersely ordered John to “worship God.”

Revelation 22:10-Revelation Is An Open Book

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. (KJV)

The angel also specifically told John not to seal up the message of Revelation, adding that the message of Revelation was timely. God wants people to read and understand the Book of Revelation. This order is similar, but completely opposite to, the orders of the prophet Daniel, who also had a vision of future events. Daniel was twice told by the angel to seal up the prophecy he was given.

Revelation 22:11-A Warning

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. (KJV)

This verse says there will be a time when people will not be able to repent. As people will be unjust and filthy, or righteous and holy, they will be the same when Christ appears. They won’t have time to change their minds and their deeds. This is a veiled warning to change, to repent, while there is still time. After Christ appears, there won’t be any more chances given.

Revelation 22:12-Jesus Is Coming-With Rewards

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (KJV)

Based on the context, the pronoun “I” in this verse can only refer to Jesus Christ. The Greek word quickly here is tachu,which means “soon, lightly, without delay.” But Christ promises not only His imminent return, but that He will bring with Him rewards, payment, according to His servants’ labor for Him.

Revelation 22:13-Jesus’ Identification

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (KJV)

In this verse, Jesus Christ explains why He can make such a fantastic statement. It is because He, and only He, is the “first and the last.”

Revelation 22:14-A Blessed Promise

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (KJV)

This is the final use of the word “blessed” in the Book of Revelation. This promise is to those who do God’s commandments; they will be welcomed into New Jerusalem and eat freely of the tree of life.

Revelation 22:15-Evil Will Be Banned

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (KJV)

“Without” indicates both the city, specifically New Jerusalem, and perhaps the entire new heaven and new Earth. The word “dogs” in this context refers to unclean and immoral humans. Only holiness will be allowed in this wonderful place.

Revelation 22:16-The Author of Revelation

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (KJV)

Jesus repeats that He is the Author of the Book of Revelation and He revealed this information to the churches. This mention of “churches” is the first mention since the first three chapters of Revelation. The message of Revelation is especially given to those individuals who have aligned themselves with a local church, since the Book of Revelation is addressed “to the seven churches which are in Asia” (Revelation 1:4).

Revelation 22:17-The Invitation From the Spirit and the Bride

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (KJV)

This verse is a beautiful and worldwide invitation. Both God’s Spirit, and His bride, invite the readers of Revelation to come to them. All are invited, but especially those who are thirsty; not physically thirsty, but spiritually thirsty. Those who come have free access to the water of life.

Revelation 22:18-A Warning About Addition

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (KJV)

A solemn warning accompanies this book and all those who hear this prophecy. If any person adds their own words to God’s message, God promises to add plagues to him.

Revelation 22:19-A Warning About Subtraction

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (KJV)

In the second half of this solemn warning, God is not threatening to take away His eternal salvation, but rather, “his part,” the inheritance of any person who dares to tamper, especially to remove, any of His words. Many modern Bible versions subtract words and phrases from their Bibles.

Revelation 22:20-John’s Invitation

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (KJV)

Two speakers compose this single verse. Jesus Christ Himself says that He is coming swiftly and soon. And John hearing these final words, and being overwhelmed with the wonders he saw, agrees, and in five profound words, he, too, invites Jesus Christ to come.

Revelation 22:21-Benediction

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (KJV)

The entire Book of Revelation simply ends with these twelve words. John had nothing more to add to this letter. He did his job, and now all that was left was for him to deliver this great revelation to its recipients.

Personal Reflection Question on Revelation Chapter 22

When you think about the new heaven and new Earth, what question(s) do you have?

Study/Review Questions on Revelation Chapter 22

1. Water is symbolic of what? (Life-giving truth)
2. What will the leaves of the tree of life be used for in the new heaven and new Earth? (The healing of the nations.)
3. Why will God’s name be in the foreheads of His servants? (To indicates a mark of ownership.)
4. What is the last verse that tells of the new heaven and new Earth? (Revelation 22:5)
5. According to verse 7, how will Jesus come? (He will come quickly.)
6. The books of Daniel and Revelation are similar since they tell about the end times, but what is their main difference? (Daniel was told to “seal up” his prophecy, but John was told “Seal not.”)
7. Who gives the invitation to “come?” (The Spirit, the bride and those who have heard all say “come.”)

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