Revelation 22:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:10 delivers a crucial divine injunction to the Apostle John, commanding him not to seal the prophetic words contained within the book. This instruction stands in stark contrast to earlier prophetic mandates, underscoring the immediate relevance and accessibility of Revelation's message. It emphasizes that the time for its understanding, proclamation, and application is not a distant future, but is "at hand," signaling the urgency and readiness of God's final purposes to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment near the conclusion of the Book of Revelation, specifically within the final dialogue between John and the angel who has guided him through the apocalyptic visions. It immediately follows the glorious descriptions of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-22:5) and precedes the angel's final affirmations of the truth and imminence of these prophecies (Revelation 22:6-9). The command to "seal not" serves as a direct counterpoint to earlier divine instructions given to prophets like Daniel, whose visions were to be sealed until the "time of the end" as recorded in [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book") and [Daniel 12:9](/daniel/12-9 "Daniel 12:9 - Daniel's Sealed Prophecy"). This contrast highlights a shift in dispensational understanding: Revelation's message is not for a distant, hidden future, but for the immediate understanding and application of its contemporary and future audiences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "seal" or "unseal" a document carried significant weight in the ancient world. Sealing a scroll or letter (often with wax and a signet ring) signified its authenticity, authority, and, crucially, its confidentiality or a future time for its opening. Unsealing, conversely, meant making its contents public, accessible, and immediately relevant. In the Roman world, prophecies or decrees might be sealed until a specific event or date. For John and the early Christian communities, facing persecution under the Roman Empire (likely Domitian's reign, c. 95 AD), the message of an unsealed prophecy would have provided immediate hope, warning, and guidance. It affirmed that God's plan was not hidden but revealed, offering assurance of divine sovereignty and ultimate victory in their present struggles. The urgency implied by "the time is at hand" would resonate with a community longing for deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 22:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Revelation and Accessibility of Truth**. Unlike prophecies that are veiled, Revelation's message is meant to be read, heard, and understood by all, as explicitly stated in the book's opening blessing in [Revelation 1:3](/revelation/1-3 "Revelation 1:3 - Blessing for Reading the Prophecy"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Imminence and Urgency of God's Plan**. The phrase "the time is at hand" signals that the era for the fulfillment of these prophecies has begun or is rapidly approaching, demanding immediate attention and faithful response from believers. This theme echoes throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the need for watchfulness and readiness for the Lord's return, as seen in passages like [James 5:8](/james/5-8 "James 5:8 - The Lord's Coming is Near") and [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - Awakening to Salvation"). Finally, it speaks to the **Authority and Finality of God's Word**, as the divine command ensures that this ultimate prophetic revelation is fully disclosed, leaving no room for human alteration or suppression, a point further emphasized in [Revelation 22:18-19](/revelation/22-18-19 "Revelation 22:18-19 - Warning Against Altering the Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seal (Greek, _sphragízō'_):** From G4972, this verb means to stamp with a signet or private mark for security or preservation. By implication, it means to keep secret or to attest. In this context, the command "seal not" directly opposes the act of keeping the prophecy hidden or reserved for a future, distant unveiling. It signifies that the contents of the book are to be openly revealed and understood.
* **Sayings (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this word refers to something said, including the thought, a topic, or discourse. Here, it specifically denotes the words, messages, and pronouncements of the prophecy. The use of _lógos_ emphasizes the verbal and intellectual content of the revelation, highlighting that it is a coherent and meaningful message to be comprehended.
* **Prophecy (Greek, _prophēteía'_):** From G4394, this term means prediction, whether scriptural or otherwise. It refers to the divinely inspired foretelling of future events and the declaration of God's will. The "sayings of the prophecy" collectively refer to the entire revealed content of the Book of Revelation, affirming its nature as a divinely inspired message concerning future events and God's ultimate plan.
* **Time (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540, this word signifies an occasion, a set or proper time, or a season, distinct from _chronos_ which denotes chronological duration. The use of _kairós_ here indicates that the opportune, appointed, or decisive moment for the understanding and unfolding of these prophecies is not merely approaching but is already present or "at hand."
* **At hand (Greek, _engýs'_):** From G1451, this adverb means near, close, or imminent, whether literally (of place) or figuratively (of time). When combined with _kairós_, it powerfully conveys a sense of immediate readiness or proximity. It does not necessarily mean instant fulfillment of every detail, but rather that the era in which these prophecies become relevant and begin to unfold has arrived, demanding present attention and response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto me,"**: This phrase identifies the speaker as the angel who has been guiding John through the visions, emphasizing the divine authority behind the ensuing command. It highlights a direct, personal communication from a heavenly messenger to the human recipient of the revelation.
* **"Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:"**: This is the central command, a direct negative imperative. It explicitly forbids the sealing of the scroll, contrasting with the instructions given to Daniel. This signifies that the Book of Revelation is not to be hidden or reserved for a distant future, but is intended for immediate and open dissemination and understanding. The "sayings of the prophecy of this book" refer to the entirety of the revealed message within the Apocalypse.
* **"for the time is at hand."**: This clause provides the crucial rationale for the command not to seal. The Greek term for "time" (_kairós_) denotes an appointed or opportune season, while "at hand" (_engýs_) signifies proximity or imminence. Together, they convey that the decisive era for the fulfillment and relevance of these prophecies has arrived or is very near, necessitating immediate attention and open understanding rather than concealment.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically with the Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly the book of Daniel. While Daniel was instructed to "seal up the words and seal the book until the time of the end" ([Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Daniel's Sealed Prophecy")), John is explicitly commanded to "seal not." This stark contrast highlights the unique nature and immediate relevance of Revelation's prophecy. The phrase "the time is at hand" functions as **Hyperbole** or a strong statement of **Imminence**, emphasizing not necessarily an immediate chronological fulfillment of every detail, but rather the urgent proximity and readiness of God's final plans to unfold, demanding immediate attention and response from the audience. This creates a sense of **Urgency**, compelling the reader to engage with the text and its implications for their present lives. The entire verse also serves as a **Divine Command**, carrying the weight of God's authority and underscoring the imperative nature of its message for all generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:10 is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's final revelation and its accessibility to humanity. It underscores the divine intention for the Book of Revelation to be an open book, a source of understanding and guidance for believers living in the "last days." This unsealing signifies that God's ultimate plan, though mysterious in its unfolding, is not to remain hidden but is revealed for the encouragement, warning, and instruction of His people. The imminence expressed by "the time is at hand" serves as a perpetual call to vigilance, holiness, and faithful endurance, reminding believers that they live in an era where the consummation of all things is perpetually near. This divine transparency and urgency compel the church to actively engage with eschatological truths, shaping their worldview and mission.

* [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book")
* [Revelation 1:3](/revelation/1-3 "Revelation 1:3 - Blessing for Reading the Prophecy")
* [Romans 13:11](/romans/13-11 "Romans 13:11 - It is High Time to Awake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:10 serves as a powerful reminder that the prophecies of God's Word, particularly those concerning the end times, are not meant to be obscure or irrelevant. Instead, they are given to us with divine intent for immediate understanding and application. The command to "seal not" challenges any tendency to dismiss or ignore the book of Revelation as too complex or too distant. It calls us to engage with its profound truths, recognizing that we live in a period where the "time is at hand" for God's redemptive plan to culminate. This urgency should not incite fear or speculative date-setting, but rather a sober, hopeful, and active faith. It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing God's kingdom, pursuing holiness, and faithfully participating in His mission, knowing that the Lord's return and the establishment of His eternal reign are ever-present realities on the horizon. Our lives should reflect the hope of Christ's victory and the coming new creation, motivating us to be watchful, prayerful, and prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, "seal" the message of Revelation in our own lives or churches today?**
* **How does the urgency implied by "the time is at hand" impact your daily priorities and spiritual disciplines?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better understand and apply the "sayings of the prophecy of this book" in your life and community?**

### FAQ
**Why was Daniel told to seal his prophecy, but John was told not to seal Revelation?**

Answer: The differing commands to Daniel and John highlight a significant shift in God's redemptive timeline and the nature of His revelation. Daniel's prophecies, given centuries before Christ's first coming, contained details that would only be fully understood as history unfolded, particularly concerning the Messiah and the "time of the end." Thus, they were to be [sealed up until the time of the end](/daniel/12-9 "Daniel 12:9 - Daniel's Sealed Prophecy"), meaning their full significance was reserved for a later era. In contrast, Revelation, given after Christ's resurrection and ascension, unveils the culmination of God's plan, the victory of the Lamb, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The command to "seal not" signifies that the era for these prophecies to be understood and to begin unfolding has arrived. The "time is at hand" means the events and truths described are imminent in a spiritual and eschatological sense, demanding immediate attention and application from all generations of believers living between Christ's first and second comings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:10, with its command not to seal the prophecy because "the time is at hand," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very act of unsealing points to Christ as the one who has opened up all divine revelation, for He is the "faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness")). He is uniquely qualified to open the scroll of God's purposes, as depicted earlier in the vision of the [Lamb who alone is worthy to open the scroll with seven seals](/revelation/5-1-7 "Revelation 5:1-7 - The Lamb Opens the Scroll"). The "sayings of the prophecy" are not abstract future events but are intrinsically tied to Christ's ongoing reign, His ultimate triumph over evil, and His establishment of the New Heavens and New Earth. The "time is at hand" because Christ has already inaugurated the kingdom of God through His death and resurrection, making the consummation of all things a present reality in God's unfolding plan. His return is not a distant possibility but an ever-imminent reality, echoing His own promise, "Surely I am coming quickly" ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Return")). Thus, the unsealed prophecy is a testament to Christ's finished work and His sovereign control over history, inviting believers to live in light of His accomplished victory and His soon return, as they await the full realization of the [new creation where God dwells with His people](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity").

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

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.