King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:12 Mean?

Revelation 22:12 in the King James Version says “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 22:12 · KJV

Context

10

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

11

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.

12

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

13

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

14

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.

Read Revelation 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.... This verse from Revelation's vision of river of life, invitation, warnings - eternal blessing, urgent call, maranatha 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 22:12 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 · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 17

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἔρχομαι3 of 17

“I come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ταχύ4 of 17

“quickly”

G5035

shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily

καὶ5 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ6 of 17
G3588

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

μισθός7 of 17

“reward”

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

μου8 of 17

“my”

G3450

of me

μετ'9 of 17

“is with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐμοῦ10 of 17

“me”

G1700

of me

ἀποδοῦναι11 of 17

“to give”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

ἑκάστῳ12 of 17

“every man”

G1538

each or every

ὡς13 of 17

“according as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

τὸ14 of 17
G3588

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

ἔργον15 of 17

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτοῦ16 of 17

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐσται17 of 17

“shall be”

G2071

will be

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 22:12 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 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 16:27Isaiah 62:11Isaiah 40:10Revelation 22:71 Corinthians 3:141 Corinthians 3:8

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