Meaning, commentary and cross references
Revelation 22:20
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
NIV · New International Version
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
WEB · World English Bible
He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
What does Revelation 22:20 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Revelation 22:20
He which testifieth these things,.... Not the angel, Revelation 22:16 nor John, who sometimes used this way of speaking, John 21:24 but Christ, as appears from what follows; for he saith, surely I come quickly; who not only asserts the speediness of his coming, as in Revelation 22:7 but expresses the certainty of it, so that it ought not to be doubted of by any, especially by his own people; though it may seem to be deferred, and, upon that account, be derided by ungodly men; and Christ may have some respect, in this strong repetition of it, to the certainty of the punishment that will then be inflicted upon such who add to, or diminish from this book; for he himself will certainly come in…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Revelation 22:17–21 (WEB)
17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely. 18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book. 19If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. 20He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus! 21The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
Cross references
- Revelation 22:7
“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
- Hebrews 9:28
so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
- Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.
- 2 Timothy 4:8
From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
- 1 Corinthians 16:22
If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
- Isaiah 25:9
It shall be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is the LORD! We have waited for him. We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation!”
- Revelation 1:2
who testified to God’s word and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.
- Revelation 22:10
He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q113. What do we pray for in the second petition?
In the second petition, which is “Thy kingdom come,” we pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced; ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
- Q118. What does the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?
The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen,” teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise Him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to Him; and in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, AMEN.