King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:14 Mean?

Revelation 22:14 in the King James Version says “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the ga...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 22:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

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

16

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.

Read Revelation 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 22:14 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 · 23 words
Μακάριοι1 of 23

“Blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

οἱ2 of 23
G3588

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

ποιοῦντες3 of 23

“are they that do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὰς4 of 23
G3588

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

ἐντολὰς5 of 23

“commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

αὐτῶν6 of 23

“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

ἵνα7 of 23

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἔσται8 of 23

“may have”

G2071

will be

ἡ9 of 23
G3588

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

ἐξουσία10 of 23

“right”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

αὐτῶν11 of 23

“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

ἐπὶ12 of 23

“to”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ13 of 23
G3588

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

ξύλον14 of 23

“the tree”

G3586

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

τῆς15 of 23
G3588

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

ζωῆς16 of 23

“of life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

καὶ17 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

τοῖς18 of 23
G3588

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

πυλῶσιν19 of 23

“in through the gates”

G4440

a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule

εἰσέλθωσιν20 of 23

“may enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς21 of 23

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν22 of 23
G3588

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

πόλιν23 of 23

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

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 22:14 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 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 21:271 John 5:3Revelation 22:71 John 3:23-241 John 3:3Revelation 2:7

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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