King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:9 Mean?

Revelation 22:9 in the King James Version says “Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them whi... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Revelation 22:9 · KJV


Context

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.

9

Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

10

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

11

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel's self-identification as 'fellowservant' emphasizes equality among God's servants despite different roles. Angels and prophets both serve God; neither deserves worship. The command 'worship God' redirects all honor to its proper object. Reformed theology emphasizes that all created beings, regardless of glory or function, are servants—only the Creator deserves worship. The inclusive 'them which keep the sayings of this book' emphasizes believers' coequal status with prophets and angels as God's servants. Unity in service should direct collective worship toward God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hierarchical cultures naturally elevated mediators of revelation (prophets, angels). This angelic self-lowering countered human tendency to worship impressive spiritual beings. Early church fathers cited this passage against angel worship. The emphasis on keeping Revelation's sayings stressed obedient response rather than speculative fascination as proper reaction to apocalyptic visions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the angel's self-description as 'fellowservant' challenge hierarchical thinking that elevates some believers above others?
  2. What does the command to 'worship God' (not admire revelations or honor mediators) teach about proper response to Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

Then

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 26

saith he

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

μοι,3 of 26

unto me

G3427

to me

Ὅρα4 of 26

See

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

μή·5 of 26

thou do it not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σύνδουλός6 of 26

fellowservant

G4889

a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)

σου7 of 26

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

γάρ8 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰμι9 of 26

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ10 of 26

Then

G2532

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

τῶν11 of 26
G3588

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

ἀδελφῶν12 of 26

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου13 of 26

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

τῶν14 of 26
G3588

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

προφητῶν15 of 26

the prophets

G4396

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

καὶ16 of 26

Then

G2532

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

τῶν17 of 26
G3588

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

τηρούντων18 of 26

of them which keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τοὺς19 of 26
G3588

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

λόγους20 of 26

the sayings

G3056

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

τοῦ21 of 26
G3588

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

βιβλίου22 of 26

book

G975

a roll

τούτου·23 of 26

of this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

τῷ24 of 26
G3588

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

θεῷ25 of 26

God

G2316

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

προσκύνησον26 of 26

worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)


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 22:9 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 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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