King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:17 Mean?

Revelation 22:17 in the King James Version says “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoe...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 22:17 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

17

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.

18

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:

19

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. out of the book: or, from the tree of life

Read Revelation 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come (τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ ἡ νύμφη λέγουσιν ἔρχου)—The Holy Spirit and the church unite in this final invitation, echoing Jesus's own promise: "I will come again" (John 14:3). This is both evangelistic invitation and eschatological longing. The imperative erchou ("come") appears three times, creating urgent, repetitive appeal.

Let him that is athirst come (ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω)—Isaiah's invitation (55:1) finds its ultimate fulfillment: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." The present participle dipsōn ("thirsting") describes ongoing spiritual hunger. Whosoever will (ὁ θέλων) underscores free grace—salvation requires only willingness. Take the water of life freely (λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν)—the adverb dōrean means "without cost, as a gift." This final invitation in Scripture perfectly balances divine sovereignty ("the Spirit... say") and human responsibility ("whosoever will"), offering Christ to all who thirst.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes Revelation's epilogue (22:6-21), written circa AD 95 during John's Patmos exile. The invitation mirrors ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs where water was freely offered to travelers. In the arid climate, water symbolized life itself—a metaphor Jesus used (John 4:10, 7:37-38). The "bride" (church) joining the Spirit's invitation shows the church's missionary nature: those who have drunk freely now call others to the fountain. This democratization of witness—"let him that heareth say, Come"—meant every believer, not just apostles, could extend grace's invitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. If the Spirit and bride say "Come," are you adding your voice to this invitation by sharing the gospel with those who thirst?
  2. What does it mean that salvation's water is offered "freely" (δωρεάν)—how does this challenge both works-righteousness and cheap grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ2 of 25
G3588

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

πνεῦμα3 of 25

“the Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ4 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ἡ5 of 25
G3588

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

νύμφη6 of 25

“the bride”

G3565

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

λέγουσιν,7 of 25

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐλθέτω·8 of 25

“Come”

G2064

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

καὶ9 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ10 of 25
G3588

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

ἀκούων11 of 25

“let him that heareth”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

εἰπάτω,12 of 25

“say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐλθέτω·13 of 25

“Come”

G2064

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

καὶ14 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ15 of 25
G3588

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

διψῶν16 of 25

“let him that is athirst”

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

ἐλθέτω·17 of 25

“Come”

G2064

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

καὶ18 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ19 of 25
G3588

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

θέλων20 of 25

“whosoever will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

λαμβανέτω21 of 25

“let him take”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸ22 of 25
G3588

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

ὕδωρ23 of 25

“the water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ζωῆς24 of 25

“of life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

δωρεάν25 of 25

“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 22:17 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 22:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:14Revelation 21:6Isaiah 55:1-3John 7:37Isaiah 12:3John 4:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 22 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes