TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Revelation 22 verses 6–19
We have here a solemn ratification of the contents of this book, and particularly of this last vision (though some think it may not only refer to the whole book, but to the whole New Testament, yea, to the whole Bible, completing and confirming the canon of scripture); and here, 1. This is confirmed by the name and nature of that God who gave out these discoveries: he is the Lord God, faithful and true, and so are all his sayings. 2. By the messengers he chose, to reveal these things to the world; the holy angels showed them to holy men of God; and God would not employ his saints and angels in deceiving the world. 3. They will soon be confirmed by their accomplishment: they are things that must shortly be done; Christ will make haste, he will come quickly, and put all things out of doubt; and then those will prove the wise and happy men who have believed and kept his words. 4. By the integrity of that angel who had been the apostle's guide and interpreter in these visions; this integrity was such that he not only refused to accept religious adoration from John, but once and again reproved him for it. He who was so tender of the honour of God, and so displeased with what was a wrong to God, would never come in his name to lead the people of God into mere dreams and delusions; and it is a still further confirmation of the sincerity of this apostle that he confesses his own sin and folly, into which he had now again relapsed, and he leaves this his failing on perpetual record: this shows he was a faithful and an impartial writer. 5. By the order given to leave the book of the prophecy open, to be perused by all, that they might labour to understand it, that they might make their objections against it, and compare the prophecy with the events. God here deals freely and openly with all; he does not speak in secret, but calls every one to witness to the declarations here made, Rev 22:10. 6. By the effect this book, thus kept open, will have upon men; those that are filthy and unjust will take occasion thence to be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those that are upright with God; it will be a savour of life to some and of death to others, and so will appear to be from God, Rev 22:12. 7. It will be Christ's rule of judgment at the great day; he will dispense rewards and punishments to men according as their works agree or disagree with the word of God; and therefore that word itself must needs be faithful and true. 8. It is the word of him who is the author, finisher, and rewarder of the faith and holiness of his people, Rev 22:13, Rev 22:14. He is the first and the last, and the same from first to last, and so is his word too; and he will by this word give to his people, who conform themselves to it, a right to the tree of life, and an entrance into heaven; and this will be a full confirmation of the truth and authority of his word, since it contains the title and evidence of that confirmed state of holiness and happiness that remains for his people in heaven. 9. It is a book that condemns and excludes from heaven all wicked, unrighteous persons, and particularly those that love and make lies (Rev 22:15), and therefore can never be itself a lie. 10. It is confirmed by the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy. And this Jesus, as God, is the root of David, though, as man, his offspring - a person in whom all uncreated and created excellencies meet, too great and too good to deceive his churches and the world. He is the fountain of all light, the bright and the morning star, and as such has given to his churches this morning light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of that perfect day which is approaching. 11. It is confirmed by an open and general invitation to all to come and partake of the promises and privileges of the gospel, those streams of the water of life; these are tendered to all who feel in their souls a thirst which nothing in this world can quench. 12. It is confirmed by the joint testimony of the Spirit of God, and that gracious Spirit that is in all the true members of the church of God; the Spirit and the bride join in testifying the truth and excellency of the gospel. 13. It is confirmed by a most solemn sanction, condemning and cursing all who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to it or taking from it, Rev 22:18, Rev 22:19. He that adds to the word of God draws down upon himself all the plagues written in this book; and he who takes any thing away from it cuts himself off from all the promises and privileges of it. This sanction is like a flaming sword, to guard the canon of the scripture from profane hands. Such a fence as this God set about the law (Deu 4:2), and the whole Old Testament (Mal 4:4), and now in the most solemn manner about the whole Bible, assuring us that it is a book of the most sacred nature, divine authority, and of the last importance, and therefore the peculiar care of the great God.
Inserting thus the particle of present time, "And now," He shows that He had made for a time, and at present, a prolongation of man's life. Therefore He did not actually curse Adam and Eve, for they were candidates for restoration, and they had been relieved by confession.
Thus, too, again "Blessed they who act according to the precepts, that they may have power over the tree of life and over the gates, for entering into the holy city. Dogs, sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, out!" -of course, such as do not act according to the precepts; for to be sent out is the portion of those who have been within.
After speaking of the faith he mentions the uprightness of our character, and by the washed robes he teaches about the keeping of the divine commandments. At the beginning of his Gospel John uses a different manner of speech but with the same meaning when he says, “In the beginning was the Word.” A little later he writes, “The Word became flesh,” where the fullness of our entire faith consists, so that in one and the same Christ both perfect deity and true humanity are confessed. When he speaks of the uprightness of our character and habits, he says, “As many as received him, he gave to them power to become sons of God, namely, to those who believe in his name,” making explicit the reward for faith and love. So also in this present passage [John] is speaking in a similar and equal manner, making mention of Christ in the A and W, and signifying the pure and stainless life in the white robes. Thus, in a similar manner he promises the same reward, saying, “That they might have power over the tree of life.” However, the tree of life is Christ, for we read, “Wisdom is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.” We must not think, however, that they [who have this power] are over [i.e., more powerful than] Christ. For “a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” Therefore, when he says here “over the tree of life,” he means that their strength consists in the tree of life, that is, in the Lord Christ, of whom the prophet also says, “They are made strong in the holy One of Israel.” From whatever source one receives strength, one is said to be “over this.” In the same sense it is said to blessed Peter, “On this rock I will build my church,” that is, “upon me.” Also the prophet speaks the same meaning although with a different wording when he says, “I will keep my strength, [watching] for you.” [Concerning the gates] it is written, “Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I might enter through them and confess the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.” In addition we must also say that no one can enter into this city except through Christ who says, “I am the door,” and “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
He calls those blessed who either wash their nuptial garment in the blood of the Lord’s passion through the washing of regeneration which they receive or who through the sorrow of their heart and with tears accomplish the washing away of sins committed at the present time. He indicates that without doubt these will have the right to possess the tree of life. This is that right, that they see the face of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is true life, and rejoice, and that they desire to be admitted to his presence through the gates, that is, through the doctrine of the apostles and the prophets, which they worked to fulfill.
Those [who keep the commandments] are truly worthy of blessedness. For in life eternal they shall possess authority to find rest in the tree of life, namely, Christ our God, and to delight in the vision of him without any evil power becoming a hindrance [to that bliss]. And they shall enter into that city above by the apostolic gates, that is, by the apostles’ teachings, through the true door. Nor shall they, as though shepherds for hire, sneak in by some other way, but they will be guided in by the gatekeeper of life.
That they may have the right to the tree of life. He promises a worthy reward to those clothed in white robes, that is, to those of an immaculate life, namely that they may enjoy the vision of the Lord, which is eternal life. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matt. V).
And may enter through the gates into the city. Those who keep the Lord's commandments, saying: I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (John X); undoubtedly enter through the gates into the Church. The gates of righteousness, which the Psalmist asks to be opened to him (Ps. CXVII). But whoever tries to climb up another way, that person is a thief and a robber (John X); concerning whom it is also said here:
Blessed, he says, are they that wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life. By robes he means the bodies. Blessed therefore are those who live well and cleanse themselves from every filth of sin; for those who so live will have authority to recline upon the tree of life and to rest upon it, the Lord is the tree of life, as was said before.
And they may enter the city through the gates. And through the gates, that is, through the apostolic dogmas and teachings, they become partakers of the conduct and blessedness of the saints.
Continue studying Revelation 22:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 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). 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). 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), granting us access. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). 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) and grants the "right" (authority/privilege) to those who believe in Him and follow Him, making them truly "blessed" in Him (Ephesians 1:3).