Revelation 21:6

KJV

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto me {G3427}, It is done {G1096}. I {G1473} am {G1510} Alpha {G1} and {G2532} Omega {G5598}, the beginning {G746} and {G2532} the end {G5056}. I {G1473} will give {G1325} unto him that is athirst {G1372} of {G1537} the fountain {G4077} of the water {G5204} of life {G2222} freely {G1432}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the ‘A’ and the ‘Z,’ the Beginning and the End. To anyone who is thirsty I myself will give water free of charge from the Fountain of Life.

Berean Standard Bible

And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life.

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:6 presents a profound divine declaration from the throne of God, marking the absolute culmination of His redemptive plan and the glorious inauguration of the eternal state. In this pivotal declaration, God affirms the definitive completion of His purposes, asserts His eternal sovereignty as the Alpha and Omega—the source and goal of all existence—and extends a gracious, unconditional invitation to all who spiritually thirst, promising them abundant, life-giving provision from the fountain of the water of life. This verse encapsulates the certainty of God's promises and the boundless nature of His grace in the new creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful divine utterance immediately follows the breathtaking vision of the [new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Creation") and the descent of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"). The preceding verses describe a future free from tears, pain, and death, where God Himself dwells with His people, wiping away every tear from their eyes ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")). Having established the glorious reality of the eternal state, the one seated on the throne then speaks, confirming the absolute certainty and finality of these events. This declaration serves as a divine seal on the preceding visions, emphasizing that the promised new creation is not merely a hopeful dream but a decreed reality. It signifies the irreversible end of the old order and the full establishment of God's eternal dwelling with humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian. Believers faced immense pressure to conform to Roman imperial cult worship, leading to suffering, exile, and martyrdom. In this context, the visions of Revelation provided profound encouragement, assuring them that despite present trials, God was ultimately in control and His purposes would prevail. The imagery of a "fountain of the water of life" would resonate deeply with an audience living in a largely arid region, where water was a precious and life-sustaining commodity. Furthermore, the concept of a divine pronouncement from a throne echoes ancient Near Eastern royal decrees, lending immense authority and finality to God's words. The titles "Alpha and Omega" would have been understood by Greek speakers as signifying totality and comprehensiveness, drawing on the first and last letters of their alphabet.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 21:6 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book and wider biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Finality and Fulfillment**, where God's declaration "It is done" underscores the irreversible completion of His grand design for creation and redemption, culminating in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Creation"). This ties into the **Sovereignty of God**, as He identifies Himself as the "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end," asserting His eternal dominion over all time and existence, a title also applied to Christ in [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Christ as Alpha and Omega"). Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Provision and Grace**, as God offers the "water of life freely" to the thirsty. This echoes the Old Testament promises of spiritual refreshment ([Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Come to the Waters")) and Jesus's New Testament teachings about living water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). The verse thus highlights God's boundless grace in providing ultimate spiritual satisfaction without cost, a foundational aspect of the gospel message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **It is done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, a verb meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." Here, in the perfect active indicative form (γέγονεν - _gegonen_), it carries immense weight, signifying that something has come into being and remains in that state of accomplished reality. It is not merely "it will be done," but "it has been done and stands completed," emphasizing the absolute certainty and irreversible nature of God's decree regarding the new creation and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. This contrasts sharply with the "It is finished" (τετέλεσται - _tetelestai_) of [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross"), which refers to the completion of Christ's redemptive work on the cross; here, _gegonen_ points to the full realization of the eschatological new order.
* **Alpha (Greek, _A'_):** From G1, the first letter of the Greek alphabet. When paired with Omega, it forms a **merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole. This title, "I am Alpha and Omega," powerfully asserts God's absolute totality, His timelessness, and His comprehensive sovereignty from beginning to end. He is the ultimate source from whom all things originate and the final goal towards whom all things move, encompassing all of history and eternity within His divine purview. This title underscores His eternal, unchangeable nature and His complete authority over all creation and all time.
* **Athirst (Greek, _dipsáō'_):** From G1372, meaning "to thirst for" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it signifies a deep spiritual longing, an intense yearning for something that can truly satisfy the soul. This "thirst" is not merely a physical need but a profound spiritual emptiness that only God can fill. The promise is specifically to those who recognize their spiritual need and actively seek fulfillment, highlighting the prerequisite of spiritual awareness and desire for God's provision.
* **Freely (Greek, _dōreán'_):** From G1432, an adverb meaning "gratuitously," "without a cause," or "for naught." This word emphasizes the unmerited nature of God's gift. The "water of life" is not earned, purchased, or merited by human effort or worthiness; it is given purely out of God's grace and generosity. This underscores the core biblical principle of salvation and spiritual blessing as a free gift, accessible to all who thirst, without any precondition of payment or performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me, It is done."**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the statement. "He" refers to the one seated on the throne, God Almighty, who has just declared His intention to make all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")). The phrase "It is done" (Greek: _Gegonen_) is a declaration of ultimate finality and accomplished purpose. It signifies that God's plan for redemption, the defeat of evil, the establishment of the new creation, and His eternal dwelling with humanity are now fully realized and irreversibly complete.
* **"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."**: This self-identification of God is a profound assertion of His eternal nature and comprehensive sovereignty. "Alpha and Omega" are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing God's absolute totality—He encompasses all things from their inception to their conclusion. He is the ultimate origin and the ultimate destiny of all creation, holding all of history and eternity within His grasp. This title assures believers that the God who began the work of creation and redemption is the same God who will bring it to its perfect consummation.
* **"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."**: This is God's gracious promise to humanity in the new creation. "Him that is athirst" refers to anyone with a deep spiritual longing or need, recognizing their inadequacy and seeking ultimate satisfaction. The "fountain of the water of life" is a powerful metaphor for God's abundant, inexhaustible provision of spiritual nourishment, salvation, and eternal life. The word "freely" emphasizes that this life-giving provision is a gift of pure grace, unearned and unmerited, offered without cost to all who desire it. It signifies the culmination of God's gracious offer of eternal communion and sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the title "Alpha and Omega." By combining the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, God declares His comprehensive sovereignty, encompassing all of time and existence from beginning to end. This figure of speech effectively communicates His absolute totality and eternal dominion. Another significant device is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "fountain of the water of life." Water, a vital necessity, becomes a powerful symbol for spiritual sustenance, salvation, and eternal life, contrasting with the fleeting satisfactions of the world. The "fountain" further emphasizes the inexhaustible and abundant nature of God's provision. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Declaration** or **Proclamation**, a direct utterance from God Himself, which lends it ultimate authority and finality, underscoring the certainty of the events described and the promises made. The use of **Symbolism** is also evident, as "thirst" symbolizes a deep spiritual yearning or need that only God can satisfy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:6 serves as a climactic theological statement, affirming God's ultimate victory and His gracious character. It underscores the biblical narrative's trajectory from creation to new creation, where God's purposes are fully realized, and His presence is fully established among His people. The declaration "It is done" echoes the "It is finished" of Christ on the cross, signifying that both the redemptive work and its eschatological consummation are divinely accomplished. God's self-identification as the "Alpha and Omega" reinforces His eternal nature and absolute sovereignty over all of history, assuring believers that He is faithful to complete what He starts. The promise of the "water of life freely" highlights the unmerited grace that underpins God's relationship with humanity, offering boundless spiritual satisfaction to all who seek it, a theme woven throughout scripture from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.

* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to the Thirsty")
* [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Living Water")
* [Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Invitation to Drink")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:6 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a timeless invitation to all who read it. For believers navigating the complexities and challenges of this present age, the declaration "It is done" provides an anchor of hope, reminding us that God's ultimate victory is not a distant possibility but a settled reality. Despite the chaos and suffering we may witness or experience, God remains the Alpha and Omega, sovereign over every moment and every outcome. This truth encourages us to persevere, knowing that our present struggles are temporary, and God's eternal purposes will prevail. The gracious offer to drink of the "fountain of the water of life freely" is a perpetual call to all who are spiritually thirsty—to lay aside the fleeting satisfactions of the world and find true, lasting, and abundant fulfillment in God alone. It compels us to cultivate a deep spiritual hunger for God's presence and provision, trusting that He will satisfy our deepest longings without cost, both now and in the glorious eternity to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "It is done" impact your perspective on current global events or personal struggles?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "athirst," and how are you seeking to drink from the "fountain of the water of life" that God offers freely?**
* **What does God's self-identification as the "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" teach you about His character and His control over your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God calling Himself "Alpha and Omega"?**

Answer: The title "Alpha and Omega" (G1 and G5598) refers to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Its significance is profound: it is a **merism** that signifies God's absolute totality, His eternal nature, and His comprehensive sovereignty over all things. By declaring Himself the "beginning and the end," God asserts that He is the ultimate source from whom all creation originates and the final goal towards whom all history and existence are moving. This title emphasizes His timelessness, His unchangeable nature, and His complete control over all events, from creation to consummation. It is a powerful declaration of His omnipotence and omnipresence, assuring believers that His plans will be fully realized. This title is also used for Christ in [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Christ as Alpha and Omega"), highlighting the unity of the Godhead in divine authority.

**What does "the fountain of the water of life freely" symbolize?**

Answer: "The fountain of the water of life" (G4077, G5204, G2222) is a rich biblical metaphor symbolizing God's abundant, inexhaustible provision of spiritual nourishment, salvation, and eternal life. In a literal sense, water is essential for physical life, and in a spiritual sense, this "water" represents the life-giving presence and grace of God. The term "fountain" emphasizes its continuous, flowing, and ever-replenishing nature. The addition of "freely" (G1432) underscores that this ultimate spiritual satisfaction is a gift of pure grace, unearned and unmerited by human effort. It is available to all who spiritually "thirst" (G1372), meaning those who recognize their deep spiritual need and long for true fulfillment that only God can provide. This imagery connects to other passages like [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus' Offer of Living Water") where Jesus offers living water, and [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of the Water of Life") where the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:6, while spoken by God the Father from the throne, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The declaration "It is done" resonates deeply with Jesus's cry from the cross, "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Triumphant Cry")), signifying the complete and perfect accomplishment of His redemptive work, which laid the foundation for the new creation described in Revelation. Jesus Himself claims the title "Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" in [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Christ's Divine Titles"), demonstrating His co-equality with the Father in eternal sovereignty and His integral role in bringing all things to their ultimate consummation. Furthermore, the promise to give the "water of life freely" directly connects to Jesus's own invitations. He declared to the Samaritan woman, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life")). Later, at the Feast of Tabernacles, He cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")). Thus, the gracious provision of eternal life and spiritual satisfaction offered by God in Revelation 21:6 is made possible and personally accessible through Jesus Christ, who is the Living Water, the embodiment of God's free and abundant grace, and the ultimate fulfiller of all divine promises.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Psalms 36:9

For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?