King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:3 Mean?

Revelation 22:3 in the King James Version says “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:”

Revelation 22:3 · KJV

Context

1

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4

And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle , neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Read Revelation 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:... 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 22:3 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
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

πᾶν2 of 23
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κατανάθεμα3 of 23

“curse”

G2652

an imprecation

οὐκ4 of 23

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔσται5 of 23

“shall be”

G2071

will be

ἔτι6 of 23

“more”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

καὶ7 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ8 of 23
G3588

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

θρόνος9 of 23

“the throne”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

τοῦ10 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 23

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ12 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

τοῦ13 of 23
G3588

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

ἀρνίου14 of 23

“of the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

ἐν15 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ16 of 23

“him”

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

ἔσται17 of 23

“shall be”

G2071

will be

καὶ18 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ19 of 23
G3588

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

δοῦλοι20 of 23

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτῷ21 of 23

“him”

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

λατρεύσουσιν22 of 23

“shall serve”

G3000

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

αὐτῷ23 of 23

“him”

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

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 22:3 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 22:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:21Revelation 21:3-4John 12:26Revelation 7:15-17John 14:3Ezekiel 37:27

Test Your Knowledge

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

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