King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:6 Mean?

Revelation 21:6 in the King James Version says “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst o...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”

Revelation 21:6 · KJV

Context

4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. all things: or, these things

8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Read Revelation 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.... This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 21:6 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπέν2 of 28

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι,3 of 28

“unto me”

G3427

to me

Γέγονεν.4 of 28

“It is done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐγὼ5 of 28

“I”

G1473

i, me

εἰμι6 of 28

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

τὸ7 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Α8 of 28

“Alpha”

G1

the first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first

καὶ9 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ10 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ω,11 of 28

“Omega”

G5598

the last letter of the greek alphabet, i.e., (figuratively) the finality

ἡ12 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχὴ13 of 28

“the beginning”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

καὶ14 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ15 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέλος.16 of 28

“the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἐγὼ17 of 28

“I”

G1473

i, me

τῷ18 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διψῶντι19 of 28

“unto him that is athirst”

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

δώσω20 of 28

“will give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἐκ21 of 28

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς22 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πηγῆς23 of 28

“the fountain”

G4077

a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)

τοῦ24 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕδατος25 of 28

“of the water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

τῆς26 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζωῆς27 of 28

“of life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

δωρεάν.28 of 28

“freely”

G1432

gratuitously (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 21:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:37-38John 4:10Revelation 7:17John 4:14Psalms 36:9Romans 8:32

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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