Revelation 22:10

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

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Seal {G4972} not {G3361} the sayings {G3056} of the prophecy {G4394} of this {G5127} book {G975}: for {G3754} the time {G2540} is {G2076} at hand {G1451}.

Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy in this book, because the time of their fulfillment is near.

Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.

And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

Revelation 22:10 in the King James Version is a pivotal instruction given to the Apostle John regarding the book's message. It marks a significant contrast with prophecies of the past and emphasizes the urgency and accessibility of Revelation's truths for its intended audience.

Context

This verse appears near the very end of the Book of Revelation, following descriptions of the New Jerusalem and final warnings and blessings. The angel who has been guiding John through the visions gives a direct command. Unlike some Old Testament prophecies that were sealed up for a future time, the message of Revelation is explicitly stated as being unsealed. This highlights that the time for its understanding and application has arrived. It serves as a concluding instruction before the final affirmations and benediction of the book.

Key Themes

  • The Unsealed Prophecy: The command "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book" is a key theme. It signifies that Revelation's message is intended to be understood and proclaimed openly, not hidden or reserved for a distant future generation alone. This contrasts sharply with instructions given to the prophet Daniel concerning his visions, which were to be sealed up until the time of the end.
  • The Urgency of the Time: The phrase "for the time is at hand" underscores the imminence or readiness of the events and truths described in Revelation. This doesn't necessarily mean every event would happen immediately, but it conveys a sense of urgency and that the era in which these prophecies would unfold had begun or was rapidly approaching. It calls for attentiveness and readiness among believers, echoing similar sentiments found throughout the New Testament regarding the nearness of the Lord's coming.
  • Accessibility of Truth: The unsealing implies that the book's message is accessible and relevant to those who read and hear it, as stated earlier in the book (see Revelation 1:3).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at hand" translates the Greek word engus (ἔγγυς), which can mean "near," "close," or "imminent." In the context of biblical prophecy, it often signifies not just immediate arrival but a state of nearness or readiness for fulfillment, indicating that the period of waiting is over and the time for action or understanding has come.

Reflection

Revelation 22:10 challenges us to take the prophecies of this book seriously. We are not meant to treat it as a sealed, irrelevant text. Instead, we are called to read, understand, and live in light of its message, recognizing that the overarching "time" for God's plan to culminate is in progress. The urgency mentioned should motivate us to live lives that reflect our hope in Christ's return and the coming kingdom, being watchful and faithful.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 8:26

    And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days.

  • Revelation 1:3

    ¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

  • 1 Peter 4:7

    ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

  • Revelation 10:4

    And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

  • Matthew 10:27

    What I tell you in darkness, [that] speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, [that] preach ye upon the housetops.

  • Ezekiel 12:23

    Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

  • Daniel 12:9

    And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

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