Revelation 22:11

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.

He that is unjust {G91}, let him be unjust {G91} still {G2089}: and {G2532} he which is filthy {G4510}, let him be filthy {G4510} still {G2089}: and {G2532} he that is righteous {G1342}, let him be righteous {G1344} still {G2089}: and {G2532} he that is holy {G40}, let him be holy {G37} still {G2089}.

“Whoever keeps acting wickedly, let him go on acting wickedly;
whoever is filthy, let him go on being made filthy.

“Also, whoever is righteous, let him go on doing what is righteous;
and whoever is holy, let him go on being made holy.”

Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.”

He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still.

Revelation 22:11 is a profound and sobering declaration found at the very end of the Bible, delivering a stark message about the finality of human spiritual states. It is not a command for people to remain in their current condition, but rather a prophetic statement about a future, decisive moment when the opportunity for change will cease, and individual character will be eternally fixed.

Context

This verse appears within the concluding chapters of the book of Revelation, which describe the culmination of God's redemptive plan, including the new heavens and new earth, and the New Jerusalem. It is part of Jesus' final messages and warnings to humanity, immediately following His affirmation, "Behold, I come quickly" (Revelation 22:7 and Revelation 22:12). The passage emphasizes the urgency of responding to God's truth before this ultimate sealing of destinies occurs. It precedes the final invitation to freely take the water of life (Revelation 22:17).

Key Themes

  • Finality of Moral State: The primary message is that at a specific, future point, a person's spiritual and moral condition will become permanently fixed. There will be no more opportunity for repentance, transformation, or change of heart. This highlights a definitive end to the period of grace and decision.
  • Consequences of Choice: The verse underscores the eternal weight of the choices made during one's lifetime. Whether one lives in unrighteousness and defilement or pursues righteousness and holiness, these paths lead to a fixed, eternal outcome.
  • Divine Justice and Sovereignty: It speaks to God's ultimate authority and righteous judgment. He is the one who declares and establishes the final, immutable state of all humanity, reflecting perfect justice.
  • Urgency of Repentance: While a declaration of finality, the verse implicitly serves as a powerful call to action in the present. It emphasizes the critical importance of making a decision for Christ and living righteously now, while the door of salvation is still open. This urgency is echoed in 2 Corinthians 6:2, which speaks of the "acceptable time" for salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used in this verse provide deeper nuance:

  • "Unjust" (Greek: adikos): Refers to someone who lacks righteousness, is unrighteous, or wicked, failing to conform to divine or human law.
  • "Filthy" (Greek: rhuparos): Implies being dirty, defiled, or morally impure. It speaks to a state of spiritual uncleanness.
  • "Righteous" (Greek: dikaios): Describes someone who is just, upright, or conforming to God's divine standard of righteousness.
  • "Holy" (Greek: hagios): Signifies being set apart for God, consecrated, sacred, and pure in character and conduct.

The repeated phrase "let him be... still" (Greek: eti) emphasizes the continuation and permanence of these states. It's not an imperative command to remain in sin or righteousness, but a declarative statement that at a certain point, the established character will persist eternally.

Significance and Application

Revelation 22:11 is a solemn reminder that human beings are given a finite period to respond to God's grace and choose their spiritual allegiance. It highlights the preciousness of the present moment for repentance and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. The verse starkly contrasts the ongoing offer of God's gracious invitation to repentance and new life with a future point where such opportunities will no longer exist. For those who have embraced Christ and strive for holiness, it serves as an affirmation of their eternal security and the permanence of their righteous standing. For those who have not, it acts as a final, urgent warning to turn to God before their choices are sealed for eternity. It underscores the ultimate realization of God's justice, where every individual's spiritual state will be fixed, leading to their final destiny.

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 12:10

    Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

  • Proverbs 4:18

    But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

  • Ezekiel 3:27

    But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

  • 2 Timothy 3:13

    But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

  • Matthew 15:14

    Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

  • Job 17:9

    The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

  • Matthew 5:6

    Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

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