Revelation 22:4

And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads.

And {G2532} they shall see {G3700} his {G846} face {G4383}; and {G2532} his {G846} name {G3686} shall be in {G1909} their {G846} foreheads {G3359}.

they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.

Commentary

Commentary on Revelation 22:4 (KJV)

Revelation 22:4 offers a profound glimpse into the glorious future of believers in the New Jerusalem, the culmination of God's redemptive plan. This verse describes two key aspects of the eternal state: direct communion with God and an undeniable mark of divine ownership.

Context

This verse is found at the very end of the Book of Revelation, within the description of the new heaven and new earth, and specifically the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). It paints a picture of paradise restored, where the curse is no more (Revelation 22:3), and God dwells directly with His people. The imagery here stands in stark contrast to the fallen world and the trials faced by God's servants throughout history, promising ultimate rest and intimacy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unveiled Intimacy with God: The phrase "they shall see his face" signifies a direct, unmediated, and intimate relationship with God. In the Old Testament, seeing God's face was often associated with death or was impossible for humans due to His holiness (Exodus 33:20). This verse promises the glorious fulfillment of the deepest human longing for communion with the Creator, a state where we shall see Him as He is, just as the pure in heart are promised to see God.
  • Divine Ownership and Identity: "And his name [shall be] in their foreheads" speaks to complete belonging and identification with God. This is the ultimate counterpoint to the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16), which signifies allegiance to evil. Here, God's name on the forehead is a visible, permanent seal of His possession, protection, and the true identity of His redeemed people. It echoes the sealing of God's servants earlier in Revelation (Revelation 7:3) and the Lamb's followers having His Father's name on their foreheads (Revelation 14:1).
  • Eternal Security and Presence: Together, these promises assure believers of an eternal state of perfect security, joy, and unbroken fellowship in God's presence, free from all sorrow, pain, and death (Revelation 21:4).

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "face" here is prosลpon, emphasizing personal presence and direct encounter. It's not a mere glimpse but a full, unveiled vision of God's countenance.
  • The "name" (Greek: onoma) on the forehead signifies not just a label but the very character and authority of God. It's an indelible mark of divine ownership and identification. This mark is a public declaration of who they belong to, a sign of their true citizenship in the eternal kingdom.

Practical Application

Revelation 22:4 provides immense hope and encouragement for all who trust in Christ. It reminds us that our ultimate destiny is not merely to escape judgment, but to enter into a glorious, intimate relationship with God Himself. This future hope should:

  • Fuel our Perseverance: Knowing the glorious future that awaits us can strengthen us to endure present difficulties and temptations.
  • Shape our Identity: Even now, our identity should be rooted in Christ. This verse reminds us that our true belonging is with God, and our lives should reflect His character, anticipating the day His name is fully displayed upon us.
  • Deepen our Worship: The promise of seeing God's face should inspire awe and a longing for greater intimacy with Him in our current walk of faith.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 14:1 (17 votes)

    ยถ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

  • Matthew 5:8 (17 votes)

    Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

  • Revelation 3:12 (12 votes)

    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

  • 1 John 3:2 (9 votes)

    Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

  • 1 John 3:3 (9 votes)

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

  • Job 33:26 (8 votes)

    He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

  • Hebrews 12:14 (7 votes)

    Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: