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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 22:1–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The heavenly state which was before described as a city, and called the new Jerusalem, is here described as a paradise, alluding to the earthly paradise which was lost by the sin of the first Adam; here is another paradise restored by the second Adam. A paradise in a city, or a whole city in a paradise! In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction. And here observe,
I.The river of paradise.
The earthly paradise was well watered: no place can be pleasant or fruitful that is not so. This river is described,
1.By its fountain-head - the throne of God and the Lamb. All our springs of grace, comfort, and glory, are in God; and all our streams from him are through the mediation of the Lamb.
2.By its quality - pure and clear as crystal. All the streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are clear, salutary, and refreshing, giving life, and preserving life, to those who drink of them.
II.The tree of life, in this paradise.
Such a tree there was in the earthly paradise, Gen 2:9. This far excels it. And now, as to this tree, observe,
1.The situation of it - in the midst of the street, and on either side the river; or, as might have been better rendered, in the midst between the terrace-walk and the river. This tree of life is fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God. The presence and perfections of God furnish out all the glory and blessedness of heaven.
2.The fruitfulness of this tree.
(1.)It brings forth many sorts of fruit - twelve sorts, suited to the refined taste of all the saints.
(2.)It brings forth fruit at all times - yields its fruit every month. This tree is never empty, never barren; there is always fruit upon it. In heaven there is not only a variety of pure and satisfying pleasures, but a continuance of them, and always fresh.
(3.)The fruit is not only pleasant, but wholesome. The presence of God in heaven is the health and happiness of the saints; there they find in him a remedy for all their former maladies, and are preserved by him in the most healthful and vigorous state.
III.The perfect freedom of this paradise from every thing that is evil (Rev 22:3):
There shall be no more curse; no accursed one - katanathema, no serpent there, as there was in the earthly paradise. Here is the great excellency of this paradise. The devil has nothing to do there; he cannot draw the saints from serving God to be subject to himself, as he did our first parents, nor can he so much as disturb them in the service of God.
IV.The supreme felicity of this paradisiacal state.
1.There the saints shall see the face of God; there they shall enjoy the beatific vision.
2.God will own them, as having his seal and name on their foreheads.
3.They shall reign with him for ever; their service shall be not only freedom but honour and dominion.
4.All this shall be with perfect knowledge and joy. They shall be full of wisdom and comfort, continually walking in the light of the Lord; and this not for a time, but for ever and ever.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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He does not speak here of thrones. For where there is a natural and undifferentiated unity, there the glory of the Godhead may be especially esteemed. There is one throne of an indivisible rule that cannot be divided by the cunning of Arian depravity or confounded by the doubts of Sabellian vanity. Rather, it is able to be contemplated only by the reception of catholic truth and is proven to be rightly held by the confession of her faith.
There will be [in that city] nothing accursed, that is, no temptation will approach, no profane sin shall be recorded through the rashness of the envious one. Rather, in its midst will be the rule of the divine power and of the Lamb. All will serve him with the exaltation of that city’s happiness. They shall rejoice in the vision of his face and in the sweetness of his presence, and they shall bear his name engraved in the sign of his cross on their foreheads.
Anathema can be interpreted in a twofold manner. It either refers to that which is holy for many but is dedicated to God alone, or it refers to that which is sacred to the whole of creation and to the holy powers but is attributed to the devil because of his utter alienation and separation from that which is good. We think that here katathema is used in an emphatic sense. For such a thing is not dedicated to anyone, but it is “put aside” for the devil, being subordinated to him and condemned along with him. Such a thing will not exist within that city.
And he says there will be no more curse. For although the anathemas now may flee vehemently, nevertheless we are comforted in them, with myriad excuses sprouting up in us in knowledge and indeed in ignorance; but then the saints will be free from every stain of the soul, just as they are from physical stain.
And he says that in the city will be the kingdom of God. For this is the throne. And he says the saints will serve him with worship not burdensome, but with spiritual pleasure and joy.
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Summary
Revelation 22:3 offers a profound glimpse into the eternal state of the new heavens and new earth, specifically within the New Jerusalem. This verse triumphantly declares the complete and irreversible abolition of the curse that originated from humanity's fall, ushering in an era of perfect communion. It highlights the central, sovereign presence of God and the Lamb, whose shared throne signifies their unified and ultimate authority. Consequently, His redeemed servants will joyfully and perpetually serve Him, finding their highest purpose and fulfillment in unhindered worship and intimate fellowship in His glorious presence.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 22:3 is situated at the climax of John's apocalyptic vision, immediately following the detailed description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. It builds upon the promise of God dwelling with humanity, where He will wipe away every tear and abolish death, sorrow, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:3-4). This verse specifically addresses the reversal of the cosmic curse, reinforcing the absolute perfection and restoration of the new creation. It sets the stage for the river of life and the tree of life, further emphasizing the life-giving, curse-free environment that will characterize eternity.
Historical & Cultural Context
John wrote Revelation during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. Believers faced immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, which demanded allegiance to Caesar as divine. In this context, the declaration that "the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it" serves as a powerful counter-claim, asserting the ultimate sovereignty of the true God and Christ over all earthly powers. The concept of a "curse" would have been deeply rooted in Old Testament covenant theology, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). For John's audience, the promise of a world without curse offered immense hope and vindication amidst suffering, assuring them that their fidelity to Christ would ultimately lead to a glorious, unblemished future.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several major themes woven throughout Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of Cosmic Restoration and the Reversal of the Fall. The declaration "there shall be no more curse" directly undoes the consequences of sin introduced in Genesis 3:17-19 and anticipates the complete renewal of creation. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Divine Presence and Sovereignty, as "the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it." This signifies the direct, unmediated dwelling of God with His people, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of redemption and establishing His righteous rule as the absolute center of all existence (Revelation 21:22-23). Finally, the phrase "his servants shall serve him" highlights the theme of Eternal Worship and Joyful Service. This service is not burdensome labor but the joyful, unhindered devotion and priestly ministry that defines the redeemed in their perfect fellowship with God and the Lamb. This eternal state is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His people find their ultimate purpose in glorifying Him forever.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies an imprecation or an object set apart for destruction or utter condemnation. Its absence in the New Jerusalem means that the very possibility of divine judgment, separation from God, or any negative consequence of sin is completely and permanently removed. This is a total and irreversible cleansing, signifying a perfect, unblemished existence where the effects of the Fall are utterly eradicated.
This term denotes a stately seat, specifically a royal seat, and by implication, power or a potentate. The presence of "the throne of God and of the Lamb" in the New Jerusalem signifies the ultimate, unified, and unchallenged authority and sovereignty of the Triune God. It underscores that God and Christ are the absolute center of the new creation, from whom all life, light, and governance flow.
This verb means to minister to God, rendering religious homage, or performing sacred service. It implies worship and devotion, often with a priestly connotation, rather than mere secular labor. In the context of eternity, this service is not a duty but a joyful, unhindered expression of love, adoration, and active participation in the divine kingdom, where believers find their highest purpose in glorifying God and the Lamb.
Verse Breakdown
"And there shall be no more curse:"
This opening clause delivers a monumental promise of complete liberation. The "curse" refers to the comprehensive consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, initiated in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17-19). This curse brought forth suffering, decay, death, and alienation from God, affecting not only humanity but all of creation. The declaration that it "shall be no more" signifies a total and permanent reversal of these effects, indicating a state of perfect peace, wholeness, and unblemished blessing in the new creation.
"but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it;"
This clause presents the foundational reason for the abolition of the curse: the direct and central presence of God and the Lamb. The "throne" symbolizes supreme authority, righteous rule, and the ultimate source of all power and life. The joint presence of "God and of the Lamb" underscores the unified sovereignty of the Father and the Son, affirming Christ's co-equality and co-reign. Their presence being "in it" (referring to the New Jerusalem) means that the divine presence is not merely near, but intimately and centrally established, providing the very essence and governance of the eternal city.
"and his servants shall serve him:"
This final clause describes the blessed activity of the redeemed in eternity. The "servants" are those who have been redeemed by the Lamb's blood, and their "service" is not a forced labor but a joyful, willing, and perpetual act of worship and devotion. The Greek word for "serve" (latreúō) carries connotations of priestly or religious ministry, implying that the eternal life of believers will be characterized by active, intimate, and unhindered communion with God and the Lamb, finding their ultimate fulfillment in glorifying and ministering to Him.
Literary Devices
Revelation 22:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Antithesis, directly contrasting the former state of "curse" with the future reality of God's presence and His servants' service. This highlights the radical transformation brought about by God's redemptive plan. Symbolism is also central, with the "throne" representing ultimate divine authority and sovereignty, and "the Lamb" symbolizing Jesus Christ in His sacrificial and victorious role. The mention of "God and of the Lamb" together on the throne also serves as a powerful Metonymy, where the throne stands for the divine rule and presence itself. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Foreshadowing by hinting at the perfect, unhindered worship and service that will characterize eternity, providing a glimpse into the ultimate purpose and joy of the redeemed.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 22:3 stands as a theological capstone, drawing together threads from across the biblical narrative to present a glorious vision of eschatological fulfillment. It affirms the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan, where the effects of sin and the Fall are completely undone. The abolition of the curse signifies a return to a state of perfect shalom, where humanity's relationship with God is fully restored, and creation itself is renewed. The centrality of the "throne of God and of the Lamb" underscores the absolute sovereignty of the Triune God and the completed work of Christ, through whom this restoration is made possible. This verse assures believers that their ultimate destiny is not passive rest, but active, joyful, and eternal worshipful service in the immediate presence of their glorious King, fulfilling the very purpose for which humanity was created.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 22:3 offers immense hope and profound comfort to believers navigating the trials and brokenness of the present world. It assures us that the suffering, sorrow, and decay we experience are temporary, mere shadows compared to the glorious reality that awaits. This verse paints a picture of ultimate restoration, where every consequence of sin is eradicated, and perfect communion with God is eternally established. This future hope should empower us to persevere through present difficulties, knowing that our struggles are not in vain and that a perfect, curse-free existence with God is our certain destiny. It also reorients our understanding of service; our present acts of worship, obedience, and ministry are not ends in themselves, but a foretaste and preparation for the eternal, joyful service we will render in His immediate presence. This vision calls us to live lives of holiness and devotion now, reflecting the character of our King and anticipating the day when we will serve Him perfectly, unhindered by any curse.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "no more curse" truly mean in the context of Revelation 22:3?
"No more curse" signifies the complete and permanent reversal of the consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, which began in Genesis 3. The original curse brought forth suffering, toil, death, and alienation from God, impacting both humanity and creation. In the New Jerusalem, this declaration means that all forms of evil, pain, decay, sin, and separation from God will be utterly eradicated. It's a promise of perfect peace, wholeness, and unblemished blessing, where the very concept of divine judgment or condemnation is abolished forever. This is the culmination of God's redemptive work, restoring creation to its intended, perfect state.
Why is the "throne of God and of the Lamb" significant in this verse?
The "throne of God and of the Lamb" is profoundly significant because it establishes the absolute and unified sovereignty of the Father and the Son at the very heart of the new creation. A throne symbolizes ultimate authority, power, and righteous rule. Its presence "in it" (the New Jerusalem) means that God and Christ are not merely present, but are the central, governing reality of the eternal city. This underscores their co-equality and co-reign, emphasizing that all life, light, and blessing flow directly from them. It also serves as a powerful counter-narrative to earthly powers and false gods, declaring that only the Triune God holds ultimate dominion and is worthy of all worship and allegiance in the eternal kingdom.
What kind of "service" will believers render to God in eternity, as mentioned in this verse?
The "service" (Greek: latreúō) mentioned in Revelation 22:3 is not burdensome labor or drudgery, but rather joyful, unhindered, and perpetual worship and devotion. The Greek term often carries connotations of priestly ministry or religious homage. This implies that in the eternal state, believers will find their highest purpose and fulfillment in intimately communing with God and the Lamb, actively glorifying Him, and participating in the life of His kingdom. It suggests an active, loving relationship of adoration and devotion, where every aspect of our being is perfectly aligned with God's will, bringing Him glory and bringing us immeasurable joy. It is a service born of love and perfect freedom, unmarred by sin or weariness.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 22:3 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the Lamb of God. The abolition of the curse, which originated from humanity's sin, is made possible only through Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. As Galatians 3:13 declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He bore the full weight of God's wrath and judgment against sin, thereby breaking its power and removing its eternal consequences. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of atonement, and His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father established His victorious reign. It is because the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, has conquered sin and death that the "throne of God and of the Lamb" can be centrally established, signifying His co-reign and the complete restoration of creation. Furthermore, it is through Christ that we, His redeemed servants, are granted access to God's presence and the privilege of eternal service. He has made us "a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:9-10), enabling us to offer perfect, unhindered worship and devotion in the new heavens and new earth. Thus, Revelation 22:3 is a testament to the completed work of Christ, through whom all things are made new, and God's people are brought into eternal, glorious communion with Him.