Revelation 22:9

KJV

Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G2532} saith he {G3004} unto me {G3427}, See {G3708} thou do it not {G3361}: for {G1063} I am {G1510} thy {G4675} fellowservant {G4889}, and {G2532} of thy {G4675} brethren {G80} the prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} of them which keep {G5083} the sayings {G3056} of this {G5127} book {G975}: worship {G4352} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am only a fellow-servant with you and your brothers, the prophets and the people who obey the words in this book. Worship God!”

Berean Standard Bible

But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

American Standard Version

And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:9 records a pivotal moment at the climax of John's apocalyptic vision, where the guiding angel firmly rebukes John's attempt to worship him, redirecting all adoration to God alone. This final, emphatic command underscores the foundational truth that worship is exclusively reserved for the Creator, reinforcing the humility of heavenly beings and establishing a profound unity among all who serve God by keeping His word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of the Book of Revelation, following the breathtaking descriptions of the New Jerusalem, the river of life, and the tree of life (Revelation 21:9-22:5). It is a deliberate echo of an earlier scene in [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - John's First Attempt to Worship the Angel"), where John similarly prostrates himself before the angel and receives an identical rebuke. This repetition, occurring just before the book's concluding blessings and warnings, serves as a powerful, final emphasis on the singular object of true worship, solidifying it as a non-negotiable truth for all who encounter the divine. It brings the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan to a close with a clear theological imperative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, various forms of worship, including emperor worship and the veneration of divine intermediaries or heroes, were common. Within early Judaism and nascent Christianity, while monotheism was central, there were sometimes tendencies towards veneration of angels (as evidenced by concerns in [Colossians 2:18](/colossians/2-18 "Colossians 2:18 - Warning Against Angel Worship")). The angel's stern correction in Revelation 22:9 firmly aligns with the strict monotheistic tradition of Israel and the early church, which reserved worship exclusively for Yahweh. This command served as a vital bulwark against syncretism and idolatry, ensuring that believers understood the unique and unshareable glory of God amidst a polytheistic environment.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in this verse is the **Exclusive Worship of God**. It unequivocally declares that only God is worthy of ultimate adoration, a truth that permeates all of Scripture from the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me") onward. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Humility of Heavenly Beings**, as the powerful angel identifies himself as a "fellowservant," placing himself on the same level of service to God as John and other believers. This counters any notion of angels as objects of worship. Thirdly, there is a strong theme of **Unity in Service and Obedience**, as the angel groups himself with "brethren the prophets" and "them which keep the sayings of this book," emphasizing a shared calling and devotion to God's word. This reinforces the importance of **Obedience to God's Word**, as those who "keep the sayings of this book" are held in high regard, echoing the blessing found in [Revelation 1:3](/revelation/1-3 "Revelation 1:3 - Blessing for Hearing and Keeping the Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fellowservant (Greek, _sýndoulos'_):** From G4889. This compound word literally means "co-slave" or "one who serves along with." It powerfully conveys the idea of shared servitude under a common master. By identifying himself as a _sýndoulos_, the angel emphatically places himself in the same position of humble service to God as John, the prophets, and all believers. This term underscores the profound truth that all creation, whether human or angelic, ultimately serves the one true God, and none are worthy of worship other than Him.
* **worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** From G4352. This verb describes the act of prostrating oneself in homage, doing reverence to, or adoring. It implies a posture of deep respect, submission, and adoration, often involving physical bowing or kneeling. The angel's command, "worship God," specifies the exclusive and proper recipient of this profound act of devotion, prohibiting its application to any created being.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316. This term refers to a deity, and specifically, with the definite article (implied in context), the supreme Divinity. In the biblical worldview, _theós_ refers to the one true God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. The angel's directive clarifies that the act of _proskynéō_ (worship) must be directed solely to _theós_, reinforcing the absolute monotheism that is foundational to the Judeo-Christian faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not:"** The angel's immediate response is a firm and direct prohibition. John, overwhelmed by the revelation, falls down in an act of reverence, likely bordering on worship, towards the angelic messenger. The angel's command, "See thou do it not," is an imperative, a strong warning against misdirected worship. It highlights the critical distinction between reverence for a divine messenger and worship due only to God.
* **"for I am thy fellowservant,"** This clause provides the reason for the prohibition. The angel humbles himself, stating his identity not as a divine being to be worshipped, but as a "fellowservant" (Greek: _sýndoulos_). This emphasizes that despite his glorious appearance and role as a divine messenger, he is a created being, just like John, serving the same Master. This declaration immediately removes any justification for John's misdirected adoration.
* **"and of thy brethren the prophets,"** The angel further clarifies his shared status by identifying with human prophets. This connection bridges the gap between the heavenly messenger and the earthly recipients of divine revelation. It suggests a unity of purpose and service among all who are called to deliver or receive God's word, underscoring that their authority comes from God, not from themselves.
* **"and of them which keep the sayings of this book:"** This phrase broadens the scope of shared servitude to include all believers who obey and live by the truths revealed in the Book of Revelation. The angel identifies with the entire community of faith, emphasizing that all who genuinely follow God and His word are united in their service to Him. This highlights the importance of obedience as a defining characteristic of true faith.
* **"worship God."** This is the ultimate, unequivocal command and the culmination of the angel's rebuke. After clearly stating who he is not (an object of worship) and who he is (a fellowservant), the angel directs John—and by extension, all readers—to the sole worthy recipient of worship: God. This imperative serves as the central theological point of the verse, encapsulating the essence of biblical monotheism and proper devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:9 employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as this scene directly mirrors [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - John's First Attempt to Worship the Angel"), where John also attempts to worship an angel and receives the same firm rebuke. This recurrence serves to underscore the absolute paramount importance of the message: worship belongs to God alone. The angel's words also utilize **Direct Command** and **Imperative Mood** ("See thou do it not," "worship God"), conveying an urgent and non-negotiable directive. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the created angelic being and the uncreated God, highlighting the infinite qualitative difference between them and why worship must be exclusively directed to the latter. Finally, the angel's self-identification as a "fellowservant" and his inclusion of "thy brethren the prophets" and "them which keep the sayings of this book" employs **Identification** or **Solidarity**, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose among all who serve God, whether heavenly or earthly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:9 serves as a powerful theological anchor, grounding the entire apocalyptic vision in the fundamental truth of God's sole worthiness of worship. It is a stark reminder that no created being, however glorious or instrumental in divine revelation, can ever usurp the unique position of the Creator. This principle safeguards against all forms of idolatry, whether overt worship of other gods, veneration of spiritual entities, or the more subtle idolatry of human achievements, material possessions, or even spiritual experiences. The angel's humility underscores that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humble service, not in seeking or accepting adoration. This verse provides a definitive statement on the nature of true worship and the absolute distinction between the Creator and creation.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment Against Idolatry")
* [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Rebukes Satan, Commands Worship of God Alone")
* [Acts 10:25-26](/acts/10-25-26 "Acts 10:25-26 - Peter Refuses Cornelius's Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:9 offers a profound and timeless lesson for believers today. In a world saturated with distractions and temptations to place ultimate value, trust, or adoration on created things—be it fame, wealth, human wisdom, political power, or even spiritual leaders—this verse firmly redirects our focus. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our praise, adoration, and ultimate devotion are reserved for God alone, for He is the only One truly worthy. This means cultivating a posture of humility in all our service and recognizing that any gifts, positions, or insights we possess are given by God for His glory, not for our own. Our highest calling is to be faithful "fellowservants" who not only hear but actively obey God’s revealed word, allowing it to shape our lives and priorities. This passage challenges us to constantly re-evaluate who or what truly occupies the throne of our hearts, ensuring that God remains supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly directing worship or ultimate devotion away from God and towards created things, experiences, or even myself?**
* **How does the angel's humility as a "fellowservant" challenge my own understanding of spiritual authority or personal significance in ministry?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my life consistently reflects the principle of "worship God" in all circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did John attempt to worship the angel twice, even after being corrected the first time?**

Answer: John's repeated attempt to worship the angel (first in [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - John's First Attempt to Worship the Angel") and again in [Revelation 22:9](/revelation/22-9 "Revelation 22:9 - The Angel's Second Rebuke")) highlights the overwhelming nature of the apocalyptic visions he was experiencing. The glory and authority of the angelic messenger, who was revealing such profound divine truths, were so immense that John, a human prophet, was naturally overcome with awe and reverence. His actions likely stemmed from an instinctive, albeit misdirected, response to such a powerful manifestation of the divine presence. The repetition serves a crucial pedagogical purpose for the reader, emphasizing the absolute necessity of directing worship solely to God, even when confronted with extraordinary spiritual phenomena.

**What does the angel's declaration, "I am thy fellowservant," imply about the nature of heavenly beings?**

Answer: The angel's statement, "I am thy fellowservant" (Greek: _sýndoulos_), profoundly implies that even the most glorious and powerful heavenly beings are not divine themselves but are created beings, just like humanity. They serve the same ultimate Master, God. This declaration underscores the humility inherent in true service to God, even for those in exalted positions within the spiritual realm. It establishes a solidarity between heavenly messengers and human believers, united in their common devotion and obedience to the Creator. This distinction is vital for maintaining proper theological boundaries, preventing the worship of angels or any other created entity.

**Is it ever permissible to worship angels, saints, or other spiritual figures in Christianity?**

Answer: Based on Revelation 22:9 and numerous other biblical passages, it is unequivocally not permissible to worship angels, saints, or any other spiritual figures in Christianity. The Bible consistently teaches that worship is due to God alone. Jesus Himself, when tempted by Satan, declared, "[You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Commands Worship of God Alone")" (Matthew 4:10). The angel's repeated rebuke to John serves as a clear and final warning against any form of creature worship, reinforcing the absolute monotheism that defines biblical faith. All honor, reverence, and devotion ultimately belong to the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:9, while a direct command to worship God alone, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The angel's humility as a "fellowservant" starkly contrasts with the divine nature of Christ, who, though truly God, willingly took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). Unlike the angel who must refuse worship, Jesus *receives* worship throughout the Gospels (Matthew 2:11; 14:33; 28:9, 17) because He is God incarnate, the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the one whom all angels are commanded to worship (Hebrews 1:6). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodies the "brethren the prophets" and "them which keep the sayings of this book." He is the supreme Prophet, the one to whom all previous prophets pointed (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22), and He perfectly kept all the sayings of God's book, living a life of absolute obedience (John 15:10). Thus, the command "worship God" is fulfilled in the worship of Christ, for in Him, the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), and He is the ultimate object of all creation's adoration (Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 5:11-14).

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 19:10

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Colossians 2:18

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Colossians 2:19

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Revelation 14:7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Revelation 4:10

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Exodus 34:14

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God: