Revelation 22:6

KJV

¶ And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto me {G3427}, These {G3778} sayings {G3056} are faithful {G4103} and {G2532} true {G228}: and {G2532} the Lord {G2962} God {G2316} of the holy {G40} prophets {G4396} sent {G649} his {G846} angel {G32} to shew {G1166} unto his {G846} servants {G1401} the things which {G3739} must {G1163} shortly {G1722}{G5034} be done {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to me, “These words are true and trustworthy: Adonai, God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must happen soon.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:6 serves as a climactic divine affirmation, validating the entirety of the prophetic visions presented in the book. It declares with absolute certainty that the messages conveyed to John are divinely inspired, inherently trustworthy, and destined for swift and sure fulfillment. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over history, assuring His servants that the revealed future events, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom, are not merely possibilities but certainties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a pivotal point in the book of Revelation, marking the conclusion of the angel's direct discourse with John and serving as a divine seal on all the preceding revelations. It immediately follows the glorious descriptions of the [New Heaven and New Earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Creation") and the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-9-27 "Revelation 21:9-27 - The Holy City, New Jerusalem"), and the [River of Life](/revelation/22-1-2 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of the Water of Life"). The angel, who has been John's primary guide through much of the apocalyptic visions, delivers this emphatic declaration of truth and reliability, setting the stage for Jesus's own concluding words and the final benedictions and warnings of the book. It echoes the opening declaration of the book in [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ") regarding "things which must shortly come to pass," creating an inclusio that frames the entire prophecy with divine certainty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire, the book of Revelation offered a message of hope, endurance, and ultimate triumph. Prophetic literature, especially apocalyptic, was a common genre in Jewish and early Christian contexts, designed to reveal divine truths about the end times and God's ultimate victory over evil. The assertion that "These sayings are faithful and true" would have provided immense encouragement to believers facing tribulation, assuring them that their suffering was not in vain and that God's promised justice and deliverance were absolutely reliable. The emphasis on God as "the Lord God of the holy prophets" firmly grounds John's revelation within the established tradition of Old Testament prophecy, lending it authority and continuity with God's historical dealings with His people.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 22:6 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Truthfulness**, asserting that the entire prophecy originates from God and is therefore absolutely reliable and trustworthy. This echoes similar affirmations throughout Revelation, such as God's declaration in [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New") that "these words are faithful and true." Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Control over History**, portraying Him as the one who orchestrates all events, past, present, and future, through His "holy prophets" and His "angel." Thirdly, the phrase "must shortly be done" reiterates the theme of **Imminence and Urgency**, a recurring motif from the book's very beginning in [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ"). While not necessarily implying immediate chronological fulfillment, it conveys the certainty and rapid unfolding of events once they commence, demanding a posture of readiness from believers. Finally, the revelation is specifically "to shew unto his servants," reinforcing the theme of **Divine Disclosure for God's People**, indicating that God reveals His plans not to terrify, but to inform, comfort, and prepare those who are devoted to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sayings (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, referring to something said, a topic, discourse, or word. In this context, it refers to the entire body of prophetic revelations and visions that John has received and recorded in the book of Revelation. The use of "sayings" emphasizes the verbal and declarative nature of the divine message, highlighting that these are not mere human speculations but divinely communicated truths.
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, meaning objectively trustworthy, reliable, or deserving of belief. When applied to God's words, it signifies their absolute dependability and immutability. What God has spoken, He will surely bring to pass; His promises are secure, and His character is consistent with His declarations.
* **true (Greek, _alēthinós'_):** From G228, meaning truthful, genuine, or authentic. This word contrasts with what is false, illusory, or merely an appearance. It affirms the reality and authenticity of the prophetic content, emphasizing that the visions and prophecies are not deceptive or metaphorical in a way that negates their ultimate reality, but rather convey genuine divine truth.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** From G1163, meaning it is necessary, behoved, or ought. This term conveys divine compulsion and inevitability. The events foretold are not optional or contingent but are part of God's unalterable plan, ensuring their certain occurrence.
* **shortly (Greek, _táchos'_):** From G5034, meaning a brief space of time, in haste, quickly, or speedily. Combined with "must be done," this adverb emphasizes the certainty and swiftness of the events' unfolding once they begin. It speaks to the imminence of the divine timetable from God's perspective, urging a sense of urgency and readiness for those awaiting their fulfillment.
* **be done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, meaning to cause to be, to become, or to come into being. This verb signifies the actualization and realization of the prophecies. The "things" revealed are not static predictions but dynamic events that will literally "come to pass" or "be brought to pass" in history, confirming the active and sovereign hand of God in their execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This clause identifies the speaker as the angel who has been revealing these final visions to John. It underscores the divine origin of the message, as the angel acts as God's authorized messenger.
* **"These sayings are faithful and true:"**: This is a powerful affirmation of the absolute reliability and authenticity of all the prophecies and revelations contained within the book of Revelation. It serves as a divine seal of approval, guaranteeing the veracity of the entire prophetic message.
* **"and the Lord God of the holy prophets"**: This phrase identifies the ultimate source of the revelation: the sovereign God who has consistently communicated His will and future plans through His chosen messengers throughout history, from the Old Testament prophets to John himself. It establishes continuity and authority.
* **"sent his angel to shew unto his servants"**: This explains the mechanism and purpose of the revelation. God, through His angel, actively discloses these truths. The recipients are specifically identified as "his servants," indicating that the message is intended for those who belong to God and are committed to serving Him, providing them with understanding and guidance.
* **"the things which must shortly be done."**: This final clause emphasizes the nature and timing of the revealed events. They are not optional but divinely ordained ("must"), and their fulfillment is certain and will occur with a sense of divine urgency and swiftness ("shortly"). This phrase encapsulates the eschatological focus of Revelation, pointing to the imminent unfolding of God's ultimate plan.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:6 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Affirmation**, as the verse explicitly declares the "sayings" to be "faithful and true," serving as a powerful concluding validation for the entire prophetic book. This emphatic statement functions as a **Seal** or a divine guarantee, reinforcing the credibility of the preceding visions. The phrase "the Lord God of the holy prophets" uses **Appellation** to describe God, connecting Him to the long tradition of biblical prophecy and emphasizing His consistent character as the source of all divine revelation. The angel acts as a **Messenger Figure**, a common trope in apocalyptic literature, bridging the divine and human realms. Finally, the phrase "must shortly be done" utilizes **Foreshadowing** and **Imminence**, creating a sense of urgency and certainty about future events without necessarily specifying an exact chronological timeline, but rather emphasizing their divine inevitability and rapid unfolding once they commence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:6 firmly grounds the entire apocalyptic vision in the unshakeable character of God. The declaration that "These sayings are faithful and true" is not merely a statement about the accuracy of John's record, but a profound theological assertion about God's own nature. He is a God who cannot lie, whose word is utterly dependable, and whose promises are guaranteed. This truthfulness is the bedrock of all biblical prophecy, ensuring that His redemptive plan, from creation to consummation, will be perfectly executed. The verse also highlights God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His sovereign will through sending His angel to reveal "the things which must shortly be done." This divine necessity ("must") underscores that the unfolding of eschatological events is not random but part of a predetermined, unalterable divine agenda, providing comfort and assurance to His servants amidst the uncertainties of the world.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - In Hope of Eternal Life, Which God, That Cannot Lie, Promised")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Let Us Hold Fast the Profession of Our Faith Without Wavering, for He Who Promised is Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:6 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, deception, and shifting truths, this verse provides an anchor: God's word, specifically His prophetic word concerning the future, is absolutely "faithful and true." This assurance should cultivate deep trust in God's promises, including His ultimate victory over evil, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, and the return of Christ. Such confidence empowers believers to live with hope, perseverance, and courage, knowing that their faith is founded on an unshakeable reality. Furthermore, the revelation is given "to shew unto his servants," reminding us that God desires His people to be informed and prepared. This calls us to diligent study of His word, a life of readiness, and a faithful witness to His coming kingdom, living out the truths revealed in anticipation of their glorious fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the affirmation that God's "sayings are faithful and true" impact your trust in His promises for your own life and for the future of the world?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be one of "His servants" to whom these things are revealed, and how should that understanding shape your daily living?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "things which must shortly be done" (imminence and certainty) motivate you to live with greater urgency and purpose for God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What does "shortly be done" mean in the context of Revelation?**

Answer: The phrase "shortly be done" (Greek: *en tachei*) does not necessarily imply immediate chronological fulfillment within a human timescale, but rather emphasizes the certainty and swiftness of the events once they commence. From God's eternal perspective, time operates differently. It conveys that when these events begin to unfold, they will do so rapidly and without delay until completion. It also suggests a state of readiness for believers, as the timing remains unknown but the certainty is absolute. This phrase appears at the beginning of Revelation in [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ") and here at the end, creating a literary frame that underscores the book's urgent message of divine certainty and the need for preparedness.

**Who is "he" who said these words to John in Revelation 22:6?**

Answer: The immediate context indicates that "he" refers to the angel who has been guiding John through the visions and explaining them, particularly from [Revelation 21:9](/revelation/21-9 "Revelation 21:9 - The Angel Shows John the Bride, the New Jerusalem") onwards. This angel acts as a divine messenger, conveying God's authoritative word to John. While the ultimate source of the message is "the Lord God of the holy prophets," the direct speaker to John at this moment is the angel, serving as an intermediary for the divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:6, while spoken by an angel, points directly to Christ as the ultimate embodiment and fulfiller of these "faithful and true sayings." Jesus Himself is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), the very Word of God (the [Logos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")), through whom all things were created and by whom all prophecies are ultimately brought to fruition. He is the Lamb who was slain, worthy to open the scroll and reveal God's plan ([Revelation 5:1-7](/revelation/5-1-7 "Revelation 5:1-7 - The Scroll and the Lamb")). The "Lord God of the holy prophets" is the Father who sent His Son, Jesus, to reveal His will, and Jesus, in turn, sent His angel to John ([Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")). Therefore, the "things which must shortly be done" are intrinsically linked to Christ's ongoing work, His second coming ([Revelation 22:7](/revelation/22-7 "Revelation 22:7 - Behold, I Come Quickly")), and the establishment of His eternal kingdom where He reigns supreme. Every truth, every promise, and every future event declared in Revelation finds its ultimate guarantee and realization in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 1:1

¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 19:9

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Luke 1:70

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:18

But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?