King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:4 Mean?

Revelation 22:4 in the King James Version says “And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 22:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Read Revelation 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.... 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 22:4 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 · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ὄψονται2 of 13

“they shall see”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

τὸ3 of 13
G3588

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

πρόσωπον4 of 13

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτῶν5 of 13

“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

καὶ6 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ7 of 13
G3588

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

ὄνομα8 of 13

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτῶν9 of 13

“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

ἐπὶ10 of 13

“shall be in”

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

τῶν11 of 13
G3588

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

μετώπων12 of 13

“foreheads”

G3359

the forehead (as opposite the countenance)

αὐτῶν13 of 13

“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

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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 14:1Matthew 5:8Revelation 3:121 John 3:2-3Job 33:26Hebrews 12:14

Test Your Knowledge

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

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