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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 22:6–19.
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.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Now then, ye dogs, whom the apostle puts outside, and who yelp at the God of truth, let us come to your various questions.
Those who are outside the congregation of the saints will be manifestly thrown out of the ark of blessedness. He moreover declares by whose authority these things have been shown or said to saint John when he continues, “I, Jesus …”
The dogs are not only the shameless and the unfaithful and those evildoers in the circumcision, for whom the apostle wept, but also those who, after their baptism, “returned to their own vomit.” Therefore, with the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters, they are foreigners to the heavenly city.
But outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and sexually immoral, etc. For all the rage of the wicked now also attempts to intrude upon the Church, but when the master of the house has entered, and, with the saints entering with him into the wedding, has shut the door, then they will begin to stand outside and knock at the door (Luke XIII).
Outside are the dogs, he says. It is customary in the divine writing to call dogs those who associate with others because of their shamelessness and uncleanness. For Moses also says in Deuteronomy, the law of the advocator: "You shall not bring the hire of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God for any vow of yours." (Deut. 23:18) And since such persons are like dogs in their shamelessness, one of the philosophers outside also testifies, saying likewise: "Flee from every murder and the beds of a woman's adultery;" and oaths of the blessed and shameless couches of youths. Therefore the dogs are outside the holy city and the conduct with the righteous, these and those. For what fellowship have they with the righteous of God?
And everyone who loves and practices falsehood, he says will be outside. Falsehood is everything contrary to nature; for since virtue is according to nature, because the Maker originally implanted in our nature the seed of virtue, wickedness is contrary to nature. Just as in bodies health is according to nature and disease contrary to nature, and sight and hearing are according to nature while blindness and deafness are contrary to nature, so in souls virtue is according to nature and wickedness contrary to nature; for health is parallel to virtue, and disease to wickedness. And in this respect wickedness is falsehood, because it often pretends to be virtue; for boldness is fashioned to appear as courage, wickedness as prudence, sloth as temperance, and baseness as justice. For all these are vices assuming the guise of virtue, and so he casts out of the divine precincts those who practice the falsehood of wickedness.
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Summary
Revelation 22:15 serves as a solemn and definitive declaration of exclusion from the New Jerusalem, enumerating a stark list of those whose unrepentant character and actions fundamentally oppose the holiness and truth of God. Standing in sharp contrast to the blessed who enter the city, this verse underscores the ultimate consequences of a life lived in rebellion against divine standards, highlighting the absolute purity required to dwell in God's eternal presence.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 22:15 is situated in the concluding chapter of the Bible, immediately following the description of the glorious New Jerusalem and the river of life. It acts as a final, stark warning, delineating those who are excluded from the eternal city, in direct opposition to the promise given in Revelation 22:14, which blesses those who wash their robes, granting them access to the tree of life and entrance into the city. This verse reinforces the absolute purity of God's dwelling place, echoing the earlier declaration in Revelation 21:27 that "nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful." It functions as a final, comprehensive summary of the character and conduct antithetical to God's kingdom, serving as a climactic warning before the book's final benedictions and Christ's concluding affirmations.
Historical & Cultural Context
The terms used in Revelation 22:15 would have resonated deeply with the original audience, who were familiar with the moral and religious landscape of the Roman world. "Dogs" (κύνες) were often used metaphorically in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures to refer to morally impure, contemptible, or aggressive individuals, often associated with male prostitutes or those outside the covenant community. "Sorcerers" (φαρμακοί) refers to practitioners of magic, often involving drugs (φάρμακον - pharmakon) and occultic rituals, which were prevalent and condemned in both Jewish and early Christian contexts as a form of idolatry and rebellion against God's sovereignty. "Whoremongers" and "murderers" represent fundamental violations of God's moral law, while "idolaters" speaks to the ultimate betrayal of loyalty to the one true God, a pervasive issue in a polytheistic Roman Empire. The emphasis on "loving and making a lie" speaks to a deep-seated spiritual corruption, contrasting with the absolute truthfulness of God and the early Christian emphasis on integrity in a world rife with deception.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the theme of Divine Justice and Judgment, demonstrating God's unwavering standard of holiness and the certain exclusion of unrepentant sin from His presence. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Purity and Holiness, emphasizing that the New Jerusalem is a sanctuary of absolute moral and spiritual cleanliness, where nothing defiled can enter. This aligns with the call to holiness found throughout Scripture, from Leviticus 11:44-45 to 1 Peter 1:15-16. Thirdly, the verse highlights the Contrast Between Light and Darkness, or truth and deception, culminating in the exclusion of those who embrace falsehood, aligning them with the "father of lies" (John 8:44). Finally, it reinforces the Sovereignty of God in establishing the criteria for eternal life, ensuring that His kingdom is populated by those who reflect His righteous character.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
In ancient cultures, dogs were often seen as scavenging, unclean, and aggressive animals. Metaphorically, as used here, "dogs" refers to morally impure, contemptible individuals who are outside the covenant community and are characterized by a lack of moral restraint and spiritual discernment. This term signifies those who are spiritually depraved and hostile to God's ways, often associated with paganism or vicious behavior.
This term refers to one who serves or worships an image or idol. In a broader sense, it encompasses anyone who gives ultimate loyalty, devotion, or worship to anything other than the one true God. Idolatry is consistently condemned in Scripture as spiritual adultery, diverting the heart's true allegiance from the Creator to created things, whether physical images, worldly desires, or self-worship.
This word denotes falsehood, untruth, or deception. In the context of Revelation 22:15, "whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" refers not merely to telling an occasional untruth but to a fundamental disposition and active practice of deception. It describes a character that delights in and perpetuates falsehood, aligning itself with the very nature of Satan, who is the "father of lies" (John 8:44). This stands in stark opposition to God, who is absolute truth.
Verse Breakdown
"For without [are] dogs"
This clause immediately establishes the boundary of exclusion. "Without" (G1854, éxō) signifies outside the city walls of the New Jerusalem. "Dogs" (G2965, kýōn) are not literal animals but a derogatory term for those who are morally impure, spiritually defiled, and hostile to God's holiness, often associated with those who practice vile acts or are outside the covenant.
"and sorcerers"
This refers to those who practice magic, witchcraft, or occult arts (G5333, phármakos). This often involved the use of drugs (φάρμακον) for spiritual manipulation or divination. Such practices are condemned as an affront to God's sovereignty and a turning to demonic powers rather than divine truth.
"and whoremongers"
This term (G4205, pórnos) denotes those engaged in various forms of sexual immorality, including prostitution, adultery, fornication, and any illicit sexual behavior outside of God's design for marriage. It speaks to a lifestyle characterized by sexual impurity and a disregard for God's moral boundaries concerning human sexuality.
"and murderers"
This refers to those who unlawfully take human life (G5406, phoneús). This sin is a direct violation of God's command and reflects a profound disregard for the sanctity of life, which is created in God's image.
"and idolaters"
This refers to those who worship idols or give ultimate allegiance to anything other than the one true God (G1496, eidōlolátrēs). This is seen as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of loyalty to the Creator, and a fundamental distortion of worship.
"and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie"
This final, comprehensive clause (G3956 pâs "whosoever", G5368 philéō "loveth", G4160 poiéō "maketh", G5579 pseûdos "lie") broadens the scope to include anyone whose character is defined by a delight in and active propagation of falsehood. It highlights a profound spiritual alignment with deception, which is antithetical to the nature of God, who is truth. This is not merely telling a lie but having a disposition that embraces and fabricates untruth.
Literary Devices
Revelation 22:15 prominently employs Enumeration, listing distinct categories of individuals who are excluded from the New Jerusalem. This creates a clear, unambiguous statement of moral and spiritual boundaries. The use of the conjunction "and" (καί, G2532) repeatedly emphasizes the cumulative nature of these disqualifying characteristics, building a comprehensive picture of unrighteousness. Furthermore, there is powerful Symbolism at play, particularly with the term "dogs," which metaphorically represents the morally debased and unclean, contrasting sharply with the purity of the holy city. The entire verse functions as a stark Contrast to the blessedness described in the preceding verse, highlighting the absolute separation between those who belong to God's kingdom and those who do not. The final phrase, "whosoever loveth and maketh a lie," uses Synecdoche by focusing on a specific action (making a lie) and a disposition (loving a lie) to represent a broader character of spiritual deception and opposition to truth.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 22:15 powerfully reinforces the biblical truth that God's presence demands absolute holiness and that unrepentant sin cannot coexist with His divine purity. This verse serves as a final, urgent call to repentance and a clear delineation of the moral and spiritual requirements for eternal life. It underscores that salvation is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative process that leads to a life of righteousness, truth, and genuine worship. The enumerated sins represent fundamental rejections of God's character and His moral law, demonstrating that those who persist in such lifestyles have chosen a path fundamentally opposed to the kingdom of light. The exclusion is not arbitrary but a just consequence for those who refuse to turn from their sin and embrace the truth and life offered by God.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 22:15 serves as a profound and sobering warning, compelling us to seriously examine our own hearts and lives. It is not merely a list of sins to avoid, but a description of character traits that are fundamentally incompatible with God's holy nature. This verse calls us to introspection: Do we harbor any of these attitudes or practices in our lives? Are we truly striving for purity, truth, and devotion to God, or are we comfortable with compromises that align us with the "outside"? The passage reminds us that God's grace, while boundless, is not a license for continued sin but a powerful impetus for transformation. It challenges us to actively turn away from all forms of idolatry, immorality, and deception, and to cultivate a love for truth and righteousness. Our ultimate hope lies in Christ's cleansing power, which enables us to "wash our robes" and enter the city, but this washing implies a genuine turning from the very things listed here. This verse encourages a life of vigilant self-examination and ongoing repentance, ensuring that our daily walk reflects the character of the God we claim to serve, preparing us for His eternal presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "dogs" mean in this context?
In Revelation 22:15, "dogs" (Greek: kýōn) is not referring to literal animals. Instead, it's a metaphorical and derogatory term used in ancient cultures to describe morally impure, contemptible, or aggressive individuals. Historically, dogs were often scavengers and considered unclean. Spiritually, the term refers to those who are outside the covenant community, characterized by a lack of moral restraint, spiritual defilement, and hostility towards God's holy standards. It can encompass those who engage in vile practices, particularly those associated with paganism or sexual perversion, as seen in other biblical contexts like Deuteronomy 23:18 and Philippians 3:2.
Why are "sorcerers" listed, and what does that imply?
"Sorcerers" (Greek: phármakos) refers to those who practice magic, witchcraft, or occult arts. The Greek root pharmakon can refer to drugs or potions, indicating that such practices often involved the use of substances for spiritual manipulation, divination, or harmful spells. This implies a turning away from God's sovereign power and seeking knowledge or control through illicit spiritual means, often involving demonic influence. Throughout Scripture, such practices are condemned as an abomination to God, as they represent a direct affront to His authority and a dangerous alliance with forces opposed to Him (e.g., Exodus 22:18 or Galatians 5:19-21). Their exclusion underscores God's absolute intolerance for any form of spiritual rebellion or reliance on powers other than Himself.
What is the significance of "whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" being the final exclusion?
The phrase "whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" is highly significant because it broadens the scope beyond specific acts to encompass a fundamental character trait and disposition. It's not just about telling an occasional lie, but about a deep-seated affection for falsehood ("loveth") and an active practice of creating or perpetuating deception ("maketh"). This is antithetical to the very nature of God, who is truth (e.g., John 14:6). The devil is explicitly called the "father of lies" in John 8:44. Therefore, those who love and make a lie align themselves with the kingdom of darkness, demonstrating a heart that rejects divine truth and embraces deception, making them utterly incompatible with the New Jerusalem, where only truth and purity reside.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 22:15, with its stark list of those excluded from the New Jerusalem, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the sole means of entrance into God's holy presence. The very sins listed—moral impurity, idolatry, murder, and deception—are precisely what Christ came to redeem humanity from. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering purification from the defilement that would otherwise exclude us. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the "washing of robes" mentioned in Revelation 22:14, cleansing us from all unrighteousness and making us fit for God's presence. He is the Truth who exposes and conquers all lies, calling His followers to walk in integrity and light. Furthermore, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who is the "gate" by which His sheep enter into eternal life, providing the only legitimate access to the Father. Thus, while the verse warns of exclusion for those who persist in sin, it implicitly points to Christ as the one who transforms the "dogs," "sorcerers," "whoremongers," "murderers," "idolaters," and "liars" into redeemed saints, granting them full citizenship in the New Jerusalem through faith and repentance, thereby fulfilling God's redemptive purpose to bring a people into His holy dwelling.