Revelation 22:14

KJV

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G3107} are they that do {G4160} his {G846} commandments {G1785}, that {G2443} they {G846} may have {G2071} right {G1849} to {G1909} the tree {G3586} of life {G2222}, and {G2532} may enter {G1525} in through the gates {G4440} into {G1519} the city {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they have the right to eat from the Tree of Life and go through the gates into the city!

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.

American Standard Version

Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:14 delivers one of the Bible's final beatitudes, pronouncing a profound blessing upon those who faithfully obey God's commandments. This verse vividly portrays the ultimate reward for such faithfulness: unrestricted access to the life-giving presence of God, symbolized by the Tree of Life, and a secure, permanent entrance into the glorious New Jerusalem, the eternal city where God dwells with His redeemed people. It underscores the inseparable link between obedient living and the full realization of eternal blessedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapter of the Book of Revelation, serving as a powerful capstone to John's apocalyptic vision. Specifically, it follows the detailed description of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem") and precedes a series of final warnings, invitations, and affirmations of Christ's imminent return. The immediate verses in [Revelation 22](/revelation/22 "Revelation 22 - The River of Life and Final Warnings") emphasize the reality of the Tree of Life and the River of the Water of Life, reinforcing themes of divine provision and restored paradise. This blessing stands in stark contrast to the fate of those excluded from the city, as described later in [Revelation 22:15](/revelation/22-15 "Revelation 22:15 - Those Excluded from the City"), highlighting the critical importance of the conditions for entry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written to early Christian communities facing persecution under the Roman Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The imagery of a "city" with "gates" would have resonated deeply with a first-century audience familiar with walled cities as symbols of security, community, and civilization. The concept of a "Tree of Life" harks back to the Garden of Eden, a primal memory of humanity's original, unblemished fellowship with God, now restored in the eschatological vision. The emphasis on "commandments" would have been understood within the broader Judeo-Christian tradition, where obedience to divine law was foundational to covenant relationship, though now reinterpreted through the lens of Christ's new covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 22:14](/revelation/22-14 "Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are the Obedient") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Obedience and Blessedness** is paramount, directly linking righteous living to divine favor and eternal reward, echoing the Beatitudes found in [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes"). The **Restoration of Paradise** is another central theme, with the reintroduction of the Tree of Life symbolizing the reversal of the curse of sin and humanity's renewed access to eternal life and intimate communion with God, a concept first introduced in [Genesis 2:9](/genesis/2-9 "Genesis 2:9 - The Tree of Life in Eden"). Finally, the theme of **Divine Dwelling and Fellowship** is powerfully conveyed by the promise of entrance into the New Jerusalem, representing the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people, as prophesied in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** From G3107, this word signifies a state of supreme happiness, divine favor, and spiritual prosperity. It denotes a profound inner joy and well-being that comes from being approved by God, independent of external circumstances. It is the same word used in the Beatitudes, indicating a divinely conferred state of blessedness.
* **Commandments (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From G1785, this refers to an authoritative prescription or injunction. In this context, it speaks to God's divine instructions and moral requirements, encompassing His revealed will for His people. It implies not merely a legalistic adherence but a life shaped by God's character and purposes.
* **Right (Greek, _exousía'_):** From G1849, this term conveys privilege, authority, freedom, or competency. Here, it means the legitimate claim or entitlement to something. It is not a right earned by merit alone, but a divinely granted privilege and authority to access the Tree of Life and the City, mediated through Christ's work and appropriated by obedient faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [are] they that do his commandments":** This opening clause establishes the condition for the promised blessedness. The "doing" (G4160, _poiéō_) implies active, ongoing obedience, not just passive assent. This obedience is the outward manifestation of genuine faith and love for God, demonstrating a life aligned with His will. The blessing is pronounced upon those whose lives are characterized by this practical righteousness.
* **"that they may have right to the tree of life":** This clause reveals the first glorious outcome of such obedience. The "right" (G1849, _exousía_) is the divinely granted privilege and authority to access the Tree of Life (G3586, _xýlon_ of G2222, _zōḗ_). The Tree of Life, first seen in Eden, symbolizes eternal life, divine sustenance, and restored fellowship with God. This access signifies the reversal of the Fall's curse and the full enjoyment of God's life-giving presence.
* **"and may enter in through the gates into the city":** This second outcome promises full and secure entrance into the New Jerusalem (G4172, _pólis_), the eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people. The "gates" (G4440, _pylṓn_) signify authorized entry, emphasizing that this access is not universal but reserved for those who meet God's conditions. To "enter in" (G1525, _eisérchomai_) means to fully participate in the security, glory, and intimate communion offered within the Holy City.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Beatitude** is evident in the opening phrase "Blessed are they," echoing the structure of the Beatitudes in the Gospels and emphasizing a divinely pronounced state of happiness and favor. **Symbolism** is richly present, particularly with "the tree of life" and "the city" (New Jerusalem). The Tree of Life symbolizes eternal life, divine sustenance, and the restoration of humanity's lost paradise. The City symbolizes God's secure, glorious, and eternal dwelling place with His people, representing perfect communion and peace. An implicit **Contrast** is also at play; by stating who *will* enter, the verse inherently contrasts them with those who *will not*, highlighting the critical distinction between obedience and disobedience and their respective eternal destinies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:14 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate blessing and full communion are reserved for those whose lives are marked by genuine obedience to His revealed will. This obedience is not a means of earning salvation, but rather the fruit and demonstration of a living faith, empowered by grace. It underscores the consistent biblical theme that true relationship with God involves a transformed life that reflects His character and desires. The promise of access to the Tree of Life and the New Jerusalem signifies the complete restoration of humanity's fellowship with God, lost in Eden, and the full realization of eternal life in His glorious presence. This verse serves as a final, urgent call to faithful living in light of the coming eternal reality.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments.")
* [1 John 2:3-6](/1_john/2-3-6 "1 John 2:3-6 - Knowing God through Obedience")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:14 serves as a powerful concluding exhortation, reminding us that our eternal destiny is intricately linked to our present obedience. It's not about earning our way into heaven, but about demonstrating the authenticity of our faith through a life that honors God's commands. This verse encourages us to persevere in righteousness, offering a profound hope and motivation for living according to God's will. It underscores that the path to eternal blessing and intimate communion with God is characterized by a life of active, grace-empowered obedience. As we contemplate the glorious promise of the New Jerusalem and the Tree of Life, we are called to examine our lives: are we truly "doing His commandments"? Is our faith active and evident in our daily choices? This verse inspires us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our faithfulness now has eternal consequences and leads to unimaginable blessedness in God's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "doing His commandments" resonate with or challenge your understanding of salvation by grace through faith?**
* **What specific "commandments" do you feel God is calling you to obey more fully in your current season of life?**
* **How does the promise of access to the Tree of Life and the New Jerusalem motivate you to live a life of greater obedience and devotion?**
* **In what ways can you practically demonstrate your love for God by "doing His commandments" in your daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Tree of Life" and why is access to it important?**

Answer: The "Tree of Life" is a profound biblical symbol first introduced in [Genesis 2:9](/genesis/2-9 "Genesis 2:9 - The Tree of Life in Eden") within the Garden of Eden. After humanity's fall into sin, access to it was blocked to prevent eternal life in a fallen state ([Genesis 3:22-24](/genesis/3-22-24 "Genesis 3:22-24 - Expulsion from Eden")). In Revelation, its reappearance symbolizes the full reversal of the curse of sin and the restoration of humanity's original, unhindered access to God's life-giving presence. To have "right to the tree of life" means to receive eternal life, divine sustenance, and unending fellowship with God, signifying complete redemption and participation in the new creation. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:14, while emphasizing obedience, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in human merit, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who is the source and enabler of all true obedience. We have "right to the tree of life" and "enter in through the gates into the city" not by our own perfect command-keeping, but because Christ perfectly kept the Father's commandments, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His shed blood is what truly "washes our robes" (a significant textual variant in some manuscripts for this verse, pointing to the cleansing power of Christ's atonement, as seen in [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")), granting us access. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). Therefore, our obedience is not a work *for* salvation, but a Spirit-empowered response *to* the salvation freely given through Christ. He is the one who opens the gates to the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - The One Who Opens and Shuts")) and grants the "right" (authority/privilege) to those who believe in Him and follow Him, making them truly "blessed" in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")).

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

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1 John 3:23

¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Revelation 22:7

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

1 John 3:3

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.