Revelation 22:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:12 presents a climactic declaration from Jesus Christ, affirming His swift and certain return, accompanied by the promise of divine recompense. This verse underscores the foundational biblical principle of accountability, asserting that every individual will receive a just reward or consequence precisely "according as his work shall be," thereby emphasizing the urgency of living righteously in anticipation of His imminent arrival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 22:12 is situated in the concluding chapter of the Bible, serving as one of the final, emphatic declarations from Jesus Christ. It follows a series of visions detailing the New Jerusalem, the river of life, and the tree of life, painting a picture of eternal blessedness for the faithful. The immediate verses before it (Revelation 22:6-11) contain affirmations of the truthfulness and prophetic nature of John's visions, along with a warning against altering the book's words. The phrase "I come quickly" is a recurring motif in Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 3:11](/revelation/3-11 "Revelation 3:11 - Hold Fast") and [Revelation 22:7](/revelation/22-7 "Revelation 22:7 - Blessed is He Who Keeps")), reinforcing the urgency and certainty of Christ's return, leading directly into this declaration of judgment and reward. This verse acts as a powerful capstone, summarizing the book's call to faithfulness and readiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Christians faced immense pressure to conform to Roman imperial cult worship, often resulting in severe consequences, including martyrdom. In this context, John's apocalyptic visions served as a source of hope, encouragement, and warning for the beleaguered early church. The concept of divine judgment and reward based on works was deeply rooted in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought, though Revelation reinterprets these within a distinct Christological framework. The idea of a divine judge dispensing justice was a familiar concept, and the promise of "reward" (misthos) would have resonated with the common understanding of wages or payment for service, providing a tangible assurance of God's faithfulness to those who endured suffering for His name.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the **imminence and certainty of Christ's second coming** is paramount, serving as both a comfort to the persecuted and a warning to the unrepentant. This "coming quickly" (Greek: _tachy_) emphasizes the suddenness and decisiveness of the event, rather than a specific chronological timeframe from a human perspective, as seen in passages like [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour"). Secondly, the theme of ** divine justice and accountability** is central. God is portrayed as the righteous judge who will justly recompense all people according to their deeds, echoing Old Testament principles of retribution and blessing (e.g., [Psalm 62:12](/psalm/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God Rewards According to Works")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **personal responsibility**, highlighting that individual actions, choices, and faithfulness (or lack thereof) during one's earthly life will have eternal consequences, a principle consistently taught by Jesus (e.g., [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - Jesus Will Reward Each Person According to What They Have Done")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This interjection serves as an imperative, drawing immediate attention to the following declaration. It functions like "Look!" or "Pay attention!" emphasizing the profound importance and certainty of what is about to be stated. It signals a divine announcement of great significance.
* **Come (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb signifies movement, "to come or go." In the context of Christ, it refers to His return, His advent. The present tense, "I come," can imply a continuous state of readiness, an ongoing movement towards His arrival, or an imminent, certain event, rather than a future action.
* **Quickly (Greek, _tachý_):** This adverb means "shortly," "without delay," "soon," or "suddenly." In the context of Christ's return, it emphasizes the unexpected and decisive nature of His arrival, rather than a specific short chronological period from a human perspective. It conveys the idea that when He comes, it will be swift and conclusive.
* **Reward (Greek, _misthós_):** This term refers to wages, recompense, or payment for service, whether good or bad. It is a just return for what has been done, indicating a principle of divine justice where actions yield appropriate consequences or blessings.
* **Work (Greek, _érgon_):** This noun 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, reflecting the full scope of one's conduct and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, I come quickly;":** This opening clause is a direct, emphatic declaration from Jesus Christ. The "behold" (idoú) commands attention, highlighting the certainty and significance of His impending return. The phrase "I come quickly" (érchomai tachý) emphasizes the suddenness and decisiveness of His second advent, conveying a sense of urgency and readiness. It is not necessarily about the chronological speed from a human perspective, but the unexpected and conclusive nature of the event when it occurs.
* **"and my reward [is] with me,":** This clause immediately follows the declaration of His coming, indicating that His return is intrinsically linked with the dispensing of justice. The "reward" (misthós) refers to recompense, wages, or payment, which He brings with Him. This signifies that the judgment is not an afterthought but an integral part of His return, demonstrating His sovereign authority and righteous character as the ultimate Judge.
* **"to give every man according as his work shall be.":** This final clause specifies the basis of the recompense. It is universal ("every man") and perfectly just, being directly proportional to one's "work" (érgon). This "work" encompasses all deeds, actions, and even the underlying motives and intentions throughout one's life. This statement underscores the principle of divine accountability, where all individuals will face a thorough and equitable assessment of their earthly lives, receiving consequences or blessings precisely aligned with their conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Address** and **Declaration**, as Jesus Himself speaks in the first person ("I come quickly," "my reward"). This imbues the statement with ultimate authority and undeniable certainty. The use of **Repetition** of the phrase "I come quickly" throughout Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 3:11](/revelation/3-11 "Revelation 3:11 - I Come Quickly") and [Revelation 22:7](/revelation/22-7 "Revelation 22:7 - I Am Coming Soon")) serves as a powerful **Leitmotif**, emphasizing the urgency and inevitability of Christ's return, creating a sense of anticipation and warning. The phrase "my reward is with me" uses a form of **Personification** or **Metonymy**, where the abstract concept of recompense is almost tangible, accompanying Christ as an inseparable aspect of His return. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Summary Statement** or **Climax**, encapsulating the book's overarching themes of divine sovereignty, justice, and the ultimate consummation of God's plan, serving as a final, urgent exhortation to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:12 stands as a cornerstone verse, deeply embedding the concepts of divine justice, human accountability, and the certainty of Christ's return within the biblical narrative. It articulates a fundamental theological truth: God is not only a God of grace and mercy, offering salvation through faith, but also a righteous Judge who will justly recompense all humanity. This recompense is based not on a legalistic earning of salvation, which is a gift, but on the deeds and faithfulness demonstrated during one's earthly life, reflecting the true nature of one's relationship with God. This divine principle assures believers that their suffering and faithful service are not in vain, while simultaneously serving as a sobering warning to those who reject God's authority and grace.

* [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Jesus Will Reward Everyone According to What They Have Done")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "The Judgment Seat of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:12 serves as a profound call to intentional living, urging believers and all humanity to consider the eternal implications of their daily choices. For the follower of Christ, this verse is a powerful motivator for perseverance and faithful service. It reminds us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, and that every act of love, obedience, and sacrifice will be justly acknowledged and rewarded by our returning Lord. This truth should inspire us to live with a heightened sense of purpose, prioritizing what truly matters in light of eternity, and striving to honor God in every thought, word, and deed. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, it stands as a solemn warning, a reminder that a day of reckoning is coming when all will stand before the righteous Judge. Therefore, the verse compels us to live in a state of readiness, not out of fear, but out of a deep reverence for God and an eager anticipation of His glorious return, ensuring that our "works" are truly reflective of a heart transformed by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's "quick" return influence your daily priorities and decisions?**
* **In what ways do you currently understand "reward" in the context of your faith, and how does this verse deepen or challenge that understanding?**
* **What specific "works" in your life do you believe are aligned with God's will, and how can you be more intentional in pursuing them?**
* **How does the concept of personal accountability motivate you to live a life that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Does "quickly" mean Jesus will return soon in our chronological time?**

Answer: The Greek word _tachý_ (G5035), translated as "quickly," does not primarily refer to a short chronological timeframe from a human perspective. Instead, it emphasizes the suddenness, decisiveness, and unexpected nature of Christ's return. It conveys that when He does come, it will be without delay and conclusive, catching many by surprise. The Bible consistently teaches that the exact timing of His return is unknown (e.g., [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")), but the certainty and readiness of His coming are stressed. Therefore, "quickly" serves as a perpetual call to vigilance and preparedness for all generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:12, with its declaration of Christ's imminent return and the promise of reward according to works, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a future judgment, but in the very person and redemptive work of Jesus. While the verse speaks of human accountability and recompense, it is crucial to understand that our "works" are only acceptable and meritorious in light of Christ's perfect work on the cross. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, made it possible for humanity to stand before a holy God. The "reward" He brings is not a payment for salvation, which is a gift of grace through faith in Him (as declared in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), but rather a just recompense for faithfulness and obedience that flows *from* that salvation. He is the Lamb who was slain, worthy to open the scrolls and execute judgment ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Thus, the "works" spoken of are not a means to earn salvation, but the fruit of a life transformed by His Spirit, empowered by His grace, and lived in submission to His Lordship. His coming "quickly" is the consummation of His redemptive plan, bringing to completion the salvation He inaugurated and establishing His eternal kingdom, where His followers will reign with Him ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - They Will Reign Forever and Ever")), receiving the full inheritance purchased by His blood.

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

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: