Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, I come {G2064} quickly {G5035}; and {G2532} my {G3450} reward {G3408} is with {G3326} me {G1700}, to give {G591} every man {G1538} according as {G5613} his {G846} work {G2041} shall be {G2071}.

“Pay attention!” [says Yeshua,] “I am coming soon, and my rewards are with me to give to each person according to what he has done.

“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.

Context of Revelation 22:12

Revelation 22:12 is a pivotal verse found in the final chapter of the Bible, concluding the prophetic visions given to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos. This book, known for its apocalyptic imagery, reveals the culmination of God's plan for humanity and creation. Coming near the very end of the book, this verse serves as a direct declaration from Jesus Christ, emphasizing His imminent return and the certainty of divine judgment and recompense. It is one of several "I come quickly" statements found in Revelation, reinforcing the urgency and finality of His promise.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Imminent Return: The phrase "Behold, I come quickly" signifies not necessarily a short chronological time, but rather the certainty, suddenness, and readiness of Christ's second coming. It's a call for believers to be prepared and watchful, as the exact timing remains unknown (compare Revelation 3:11). This promise offers both hope for the righteous and a warning for the unrepentant.
  • Divine Judgment and Reward: Jesus declares, "and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." This highlights the principle of divine justice. It assures that all actions, whether good or evil, will be met with appropriate recompense. This "reward" (or recompense) is distinct from salvation, which is received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), but speaks to the accountability of individuals for their deeds done during their earthly lives.
  • Personal Accountability: The phrase "to give every man according as his work shall be" underscores individual responsibility before God. It implies that there will be a thorough and just assessment of one's life, and that the consequences or blessings will be directly tied to one's actions, motives, and faithfulness in service to God (as also stated in Matthew 16:27).

Linguistic Insights

  • "I come quickly" (Greek: tachy - ταχύ): The Greek word tachy can mean "quickly," "swiftly," or "suddenly." In the context of Christ's return, it emphasizes the unexpected nature and certainty of His arrival, rather than a specific short time frame from a human perspective. It conveys the idea that when He comes, it will be decisive and without delay.
  • "My reward" (Greek: misthos - μισθός): This term refers to wages, recompense, or payment for service. It's not just a bonus but a just return for what has been done. This concept appears throughout the Bible, indicating God's faithfulness to reward those who diligently seek and serve Him, and to justly judge those who reject Him.
  • "His work" (Greek: ergon - ἔργον): This word broadly refers to deeds, actions, or labors. It encompasses not just outward acts but also the underlying motives and intentions. The judgment will be based on the entirety of one's life and choices.

Practical Application

Revelation 22:12 serves as a powerful call to live with purpose and intentionality. For believers, it is an encouragement to persevere in faith and good works, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain and will be justly rewarded (1 Corinthians 15:58). It urges vigilance and readiness for Christ's return. For all, it is a sobering reminder of ultimate accountability before a righteous God. This verse motivates us to live lives that honor God, seeking to fulfill His will and spread His message, knowing that every choice and action contributes to our eternal standing.

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.

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Isaiah 62:11

    Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • Isaiah 40:10

    Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:8

    Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:14

    If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

  • Revelation 22:7

    Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

  • Romans 2:6

    Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
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