King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:20 Mean?

Revelation 22:20 in the King James Version says “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Revelation 22:20 · KJV

Context

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

20

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

21

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

Read Revelation 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Surely I come quickly (Ναὶ ἔρχομαι ταχύ, Nai erchomai tachy)—Christ's final promise in Scripture is not slow timing but certain swiftness when the hour arrives. Tachy conveys imminence and suddenness, not chronological nearness. This echoes His earlier warnings: "Behold, I come as a thief" (16:15).

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Ἀμήν ναὶ ἔρχου κύριε Ἰησοῦ, Amēn nai erchou kyrie Iēsou)—John's response is the church's perpetual cry: Maranatha (1 Cor 16:22). The double affirmation (Hebrew Amen + Greek nai) expresses wholehearted longing. This is no mere resignation to fate, but passionate desire for Christ's return. The church that truly loves His appearing (2 Tim 4:8) doesn't dread judgment but yearns for the Bridegroom. To pray "Come, Lord Jesus" is to confess this present evil age cannot satisfy—only Christ's visible reign will suffice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, Revelation concludes with Christ's promise and John's response from Patmos exile. The book's seven churches endured Roman imperial cult pressure, economic persecution, and martyrdom threats. Christ's promise "I come quickly" assured suffering saints their affliction was temporary—vindication was certain. The early church regularly prayed Maranatha ("Our Lord, come!"), likely at the Lord's Supper, expressing eager eschatological hope that sustained them through persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you genuinely long for Christ's return, or does the thought unsettle you—and what does your answer reveal about your heart's true treasure?
  2. How should the certainty of Christ's sudden return shape your daily priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Λέγει1 of 12

“saith”

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

ὁ2 of 12
G3588

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

μαρτυρῶν3 of 12

“He which testifieth”

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

ταῦτα,4 of 12

“these things”

G5023

these things

ναί,5 of 12

“Even so”

G3483

yes

ἔρχου,6 of 12

“I come”

G2064

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

ταχύ.7 of 12

“quickly”

G5035

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

Ἀμήν,8 of 12

“Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ναί,9 of 12

“Even so”

G3483

yes

ἔρχου,10 of 12

“I come”

G2064

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

κύριε11 of 12

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ12 of 12

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 22:20 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 22:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 22:7Hebrews 9:28Revelation 22:122 Timothy 4:81 Corinthians 16:22Revelation 22:10

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