King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:6 Mean?

Revelation 22:6 in the King James Version says “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew u... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 22:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

8

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 22:6 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 · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

εἶπέν2 of 29

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι,3 of 29

unto me

G3427

to me

Οὗτοι4 of 29

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οἱ5 of 29
G3588

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

λόγοι6 of 29

sayings

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

πιστοὶ7 of 29

are faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

καὶ8 of 29

And

G2532

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

ἀληθινοί9 of 29

true

G228

truthful

καὶ10 of 29

And

G2532

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

κύριος11 of 29

the Lord

G2962

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

12 of 29
G3588

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

θεὸς13 of 29

God

G2316

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

τῶν14 of 29
G3588

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

ἁγίων15 of 29

of the holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

προφητῶν16 of 29

prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἀπέστειλεν17 of 29

sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

τὸν18 of 29
G3588

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

ἄγγελον19 of 29

angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτοῦ20 of 29
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

δεῖξαι21 of 29

to shew

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς22 of 29
G3588

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

δούλοις23 of 29

servants

G1401

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

αὐτοῦ24 of 29
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

25 of 29

the things which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δεῖ26 of 29

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

γενέσθαι27 of 29

be done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν28 of 29

shortly

G1722

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

τάχει29 of 29
G5034

a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste


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 22:6 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 22:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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