Revelation 22:20

Translation
King James Version
¶ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
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KJV (with Strong's)
He which testifieth G3140 these things G5023 saith G3004, Surely G3483 I come G2064 quickly G5035. Amen G281. Even so G3483, come G2064, Lord G2962 Jesus G2424.
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Complete Jewish Bible
“The one who is testifying to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’”

Amen! Come, Lord Yeshua!
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Berean Standard Bible
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
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American Standard Version
He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.
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World English Bible Messianic
He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Yeshua.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
He which testifieth these things, saith, Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Euen so, come Lord Iesus.
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Young's Literal Translation
he saith--who is testifying these things--`Yes, I come quickly!' Amen! Yes, be coming, Lord Jesus!
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See also
Revelation 22:7Hebrews 9:282 Timothy 4:8Revelation 22:121 Corinthians 16:22Revelation 22:10Isaiah 25:9
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In the KJVVerse 31,101 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Revelation 22:20 serves as the climactic conclusion to the Bible's prophetic narrative, capturing both the divine assurance of Jesus Christ's imminent return and the fervent, longing prayer of the Apostle John, representing the universal Church. It encapsulates the ultimate hope of believers across generations, affirming the certainty of Christ's second advent and inviting a resounding "Amen" from all who await His glorious appearing and the full establishment of His eternal kingdom.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse stands as the penultimate statement in the entire biblical canon, nestled within the final chapter of the book of Revelation. Following the grand unveiling of the new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21, the narrative shifts to a series of final admonitions, blessings, and, critically, declarations regarding Christ's return. This verse is the third of three "I am coming soon" statements by Jesus in this concluding chapter (Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12), forming a powerful crescendo that culminates in John's heartfelt response. It acts as a divine promise and a human plea, sealing the book's overarching message of hope in Christ's ultimate victory and reign.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution under the Roman Emperor Domitian, likely around A.D. 95. Believers were facing immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, leading to suffering and martyrdom. In this context, the message of Christ's return offered profound encouragement, hope, and vindication. The early church lived with a keen sense of eschatological expectation, often expressed in the Aramaic prayer "Maranatha" (Our Lord, come!), as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:22. This cultural backdrop underscores the urgency and comfort embedded in Jesus' promise and John's immediate, passionate response, providing solace and perseverance for a persecuted community.
  • Key Themes: Revelation 22:20 powerfully reinforces several core themes central to the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights The Certainty of Christ's Return, emphasizing that Jesus' "Surely I come quickly" is an unshakeable divine promise, not a mere possibility. Secondly, the phrase "I come quickly" underscores the Imminence and Urgency of His return, signifying not necessarily a short chronological timeframe, but rather a sudden, decisive, and unexpected arrival, demanding constant spiritual preparedness, as also implied in Revelation 3:11. Thirdly, John's "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" embodies The Church's Earnest Expectation and Longing, reflecting the collective desire of believers throughout history for the consummation of God's redemptive plan. Finally, the interplay of Jesus' "Amen" and John's "Even so" (which carries an "Amen" connotation) illustrates the theme of Divine and Human Affirmation, a harmonious agreement between the divine promise and the human longing for its fulfillment.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • come (Greek, érchomai', G2064): This verb signifies movement towards a destination, implying both arrival and presence. In the context of Christ's return, it denotes His personal, physical advent. The use of the present tense, "I am coming," emphasizes the certainty and ongoing nature of this divine intention, rather than a mere future possibility. It is an active, determined coming.
  • quickly (Greek, tachý', G5035): This adverb does not primarily denote a short period of time, but rather the swiftness, suddenness, or unexpectedness of an event once it begins. It conveys the idea that when Christ returns, it will be without delay, decisively, and perhaps surprising to many. It calls for vigilance and readiness, as the timing remains unknown, but the event itself will be rapid.
  • Amen (Greek, amḗn', G281): Of Hebrew origin, this word means "firm," "trustworthy," or "so be it." It is an emphatic affirmation of truth and certainty. When Jesus uses it, He is confirming the absolute reliability and truthfulness of His promise to return quickly. When John uses it (implied in "Even so"), it is a profound expression of agreement, desire, and faith in the fulfillment of that divine promise.

Verse Breakdown

  • "He which testifieth these things saith": This opening clause identifies the speaker as Jesus Christ, the faithful and true witness (Revelation 1:5). The phrase "these things" refers to the entire prophetic revelation contained within the book of Revelation, particularly the promises of His return and the establishment of His kingdom. This emphasizes the divine authority and veracity behind the declaration that follows.
  • "Surely I come quickly.": This is the direct, authoritative declaration from Jesus Himself. "Surely" (Greek nai) reinforces the absolute certainty of His coming. "I come quickly" (Greek érchomai tachý) signifies that His return is both definite and will occur with suddenness and decisiveness when the appointed time arrives. It is a promise of His personal, physical, and swift return.
  • "Amen.": This is Jesus' own affirmation of His preceding statement. By adding "Amen," He stamps His divine seal of truth and certainty on the promise of His swift return. It underscores the unchangeable nature of His word and the reliability of His prophecy.
  • "Even so, come, Lord Jesus.": This is the fervent, longing response of the Apostle John, representing the collective cry of the Church throughout history. "Even so" (Greek nai again) echoes Jesus' "Surely," signifying John's absolute agreement and desire for the fulfillment of the promise. It is a heartfelt prayer, a passionate plea for the Lord Jesus to return, expressing the deep yearning of believers for the consummation of all things in Christ.

Literary Devices

Revelation 22:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Dialogue, presenting a direct exchange between the divine speaker (Jesus) and the human respondent (John), which encapsulates the entire biblical narrative's trajectory towards its eschatological climax. This dialogue is characterized by Affirmation and Call and Response: Jesus' declaration, "Surely I come quickly. Amen," is met with John's echoing "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." The repetition of "Amen" (implied in John's "Even so") functions as a powerful Echo or Resonance, underscoring the certainty of the divine promise and the heartfelt agreement of humanity. The phrase "I come quickly" is a form of Prophetic Imminence, a recurring motif in Revelation that emphasizes the readiness and suddenness of the event rather than a specific timeline. Finally, the verse serves as a powerful Climax to the entire book of Revelation and, in a sense, to the entire biblical narrative, bringing the grand prophetic visions to a personal, urgent, and hopeful conclusion.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Revelation 22:20 stands as a foundational text for Christian eschatology, serving as the ultimate expression of the believer's hope. It encapsulates the very purpose of Christ's redemptive work: to establish His eternal kingdom and reign over all creation. The longing for Jesus' return is not merely an anticipation of future events but a deep spiritual yearning for the full realization of God's justice, peace, and perfect fellowship with humanity. This verse affirms the personal, visible, and triumphant return of Christ, which will mark the end of suffering, evil, and death, ushering in the new heavens and new earth. It reminds believers that history is moving towards a definite, glorious climax orchestrated by God, providing profound comfort and motivation for steadfastness in the present.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Revelation 22:20 beckons believers to live with an active, confident hope in the Lord's return, transforming our present reality. It is a call to vigilance and preparedness, not out of fear, but out of eager expectation for the One we love. This hope should shape our priorities, encouraging us to live lives of holiness, obedience, and fervent prayer, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain as we await His glorious appearing (1 Corinthians 15:58). The "Maranatha" cry of the Church is not a passive wish but an active yearning that fuels our mission to share the gospel, promote justice, and embody Christ's love until He comes. It reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21).

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the certainty of Christ's return impact your daily living and long-term planning?
  • In what ways does the "quickly" aspect of His coming motivate you to live with greater urgency for God's kingdom?
  • How can you cultivate a deeper, more fervent longing for the Lord Jesus' return in your personal prayer life?
  • What practical steps can you take to live in a state of readiness for Christ's appearing?

FAQ

What does "quickly" mean in "Surely I come quickly"?

Answer: The Greek word translated "quickly" (G5035, tachý) does not imply a short chronological timeframe, but rather that when Jesus does return, His arrival will be swift, sudden, and decisive. It emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event and the speed with which it will unfold once it begins, rather than indicating that it will happen soon in human terms. This calls for constant readiness and vigilance, as the exact timing remains unknown, but the event itself will be rapid and without delay. Other passages like Revelation 3:11 and Revelation 2:16 use the same word to convey this sense of decisive, sudden action.

Why does John respond, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus"?

Answer: John's response is a heartfelt, Spirit-inspired prayer that encapsulates the longing of the entire Church for the consummation of God's plan. It is an "Amen" from humanity, agreeing with and eagerly desiring the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to return. This echoes the ancient Aramaic prayer "Maranatha" (Our Lord, come!) found in 1 Corinthians 16:22. It signifies not only a desire for the end of suffering and the establishment of God's perfect kingdom but also a deep personal affection and yearning for the presence of the Lord Jesus Himself.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Revelation 22:20, with its climactic declaration and fervent plea, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. His promise, "Surely I come quickly," is the culmination of all biblical prophecy, signifying the triumphant return of the One who first came as a humble servant to redeem humanity. The longing for "Lord Jesus" to "come" is a yearning for the full realization of the kingdom He inaugurated through His first advent, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and His return will complete the redemptive narrative, bringing to fruition the salvation He secured on the cross. The "coming" spoken of here is the visible, glorious return of the Son of Man on the clouds, as prophesied in Matthew 24:30 and affirmed in Revelation 1:7. It is the moment when every promise He made—to prepare a place for us (John 14:3) and to appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:28)—will be perfectly fulfilled. Thus, this verse is not just about a future event, but about the sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, who is faithful to His word and will bring all things to their perfect and glorious conclusion in Himself.

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Commentary on Revelation 22 verses 20–21

We have now come to the conclusion of the whole, and that in three things: -

I. Christ's farewell to his church. He seems now, after he has been discovering these things to his people on earth, to take leave of them, and return to heaven; but he parts with them in great kindness, and assures them it shall not be long before he comes again to them: Behold, I come quickly. As when he ascended into heaven, after his resurrection, he parted with a promise of his gracious presence, so here he parts with a promise of a speedy return. If any say, "Where is the promise of his coming, when so many ages have passed since this was written?" let them know he is not slack to his people, but long-suffering to his enemies: his coming will be sooner than they are aware, sooner than they are prepared, sooner than they desire; and to his people it will be seasonable. The vision is for an appointed time, and will not tarry. He will come quickly; let this word be always sounding in our ear, and let us give all diligence that we may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.

II. The church's hearty echo to Christ's promise, 1. Declaring her firm belief of it: Amen, so it is, so it shall be. 2. Expressing her earnest desire of it: Even so, come, Lord Jesus; make hast, my beloved, and be thou like a roe, or like a young hart on the mountain of spices. Thus beats the pulse of the church, thus breathes that gracious Spirit which actuates and informs the mystical body of Christ; and we should never be satisfied till we find such a spirit breathing in us, and causing us to look for the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the language of the church of the first-born, and we should join with them, often putting ourselves in mind of his promise. What comes from heaven in a promise should be sent back to heaven in a prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus, put an end to this state of sin, sorrow, and temptation; gather thy people out of this present evil world, and take them up to heaven, that state of perfect purity, peace, and joy, and so finish thy great design, and fulfil all that word in which thou hast caused thy people to hope."

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–21. Public domain.
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Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:20, HOMILY 19
Let us pray that the Lord Jesus Christ deign to come to us according to his promise and through his mercy free us from the prison of this world and for the sake of his compassion lead us to his blessedness. With the Father and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns into all eternity. Amen.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:20
The selfsame Christ who gave his testimony announces to the church that he is coming. And to him the church devoutly responds in the manner of the Song of Songs, “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus Christ.” And when the church prays, it says, “Your kingdom come!” and “in the way that is blameless, when you will come to me.”
Apringius of BejaAD 600
TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:20
“He who testifies to these things says,” that is, the very same Lord Jesus Christ who commanded me to write these things, “Surely, I am coming soon.” He makes known the certainty and the quickness of his coming. And already certain of his own blessedness, this saint fervently declares, “Come, Lord Jesus!” May the almighty Jesus Christ grant to us that as we earnestly await his coming we might, with his protection, keep ourselves from every grave sin, and that when our desire is fulfilled, he find nothing in us worthy of punishment. But should there be anything to pardon, may he nevertheless have mercy upon the accused and not condemn the sinner. May he with whom the blessed One lives and reigns forever grant this. Amen.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:20-21
Also I who am speaking these things say to you, who are Life, “I am coming.” And you yourself also come, O Lord. Or perhaps he is saying this in the person of Christ, “I who witness to these things,” clearly the one who is testifying, “I am coming.” Then what follows is said in the person of the apostle, “Come, Lord Jesus Christ.” For the coming of Christ is much desired by the saints, since he will recompense those who have labored with a manifold reward. Therefore, this present book is holy and inspired by God and leads those who read it to their blessed end and inheritance.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely, I am coming quickly." The same Christ testifies, who announces to the Church that he will come. To which, in the manner of the Song of Songs, the Church devoutly responds:
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
Which Paul made when he said, "for I am already being poured out, and the time of my departure has come" (2 Tim. 4:6); this he himself now says also, he who teaches these things, I say and bear witness in them, and so I am from now at the ends of the present life, that the word may be left in suspicion by no one.

For who would choose among those who happen to be, if not then John so great, to devise words as from God, insofar as he was not yet about to undergo common death, and to depart into the hands of God more obviously than those who were formerly still living? I therefore write these things, saying alone to the one who calls me Christ regarding my departure, Yes: I come quickly.

Since in the cases that have occurred the prophetic Spirit said to him, and the hearer says, "Tell the Lord, 'Come,'" obeying the things revealed to him, he says, "Amen: Come, Lord Jesus"; therefore he used to say, "Yes, Master Christ, hasten for us your salvation and your second coming."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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