Revelation 22:9

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.

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}.

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!”

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!”

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.

Revelation 22:9 presents a crucial corrective moment in the apostle John’s final vision. Having just witnessed the glorious realities of God’s eternal plan and the New Jerusalem, John is so overwhelmed that he falls down to worship the angel who has been his guide. This verse records the angel’s immediate and firm rebuke, redirecting John’s worship solely to God.

Context

This scene is a poignant echo of an earlier moment in the Book of Revelation, where John similarly falls to worship the angel (Revelation 19:10), only to be corrected. Occurring at the very end of the prophetic narrative, after visions of the new heaven and new earth and the river of life, this repeated instruction underscores the paramount importance of proper worship as a foundational truth for all believers. It serves as a final, emphatic reminder before the book concludes.

Key Themes

  • Exclusive Worship of God: The most prominent message is that worship belongs to God alone. No created being, however mighty or glorious, is worthy of divine adoration. This guards against any form of idolatry, whether of spiritual beings, human leaders, or material things.
  • Humility of Heavenly Beings: The angel explicitly states, "I am thy fellowservant," emphasizing that even celestial messengers are servants of God, just like human prophets and believers. This profound humility from a powerful angelic being sets an example and highlights the unique status of God as the sole sovereign.
  • Unity in Service: The angel identifies with "thy brethren the prophets" and "them which keep the sayings of this book." This creates a powerful sense of unity among all who serve God and obey His word, bridging the gap between heavenly and earthly beings in their shared devotion to the Creator.
  • Importance of Obedience: The phrase "them which keep the sayings of this book" highlights the value of not just hearing but actively obeying the truths revealed in God's word. This theme resonates with the blessing pronounced upon those who heed the prophecies of Revelation (Revelation 1:3).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fellowservant" is syndoulos (σύνδουλος), which literally means "co-slave" or "one who serves along with." This term powerfully conveys the idea of shared servitude under a common master, reinforcing the angel's message that he is not to be worshipped but is in the same position of service to God as John and other believers. It underscores the profound truth that all creation ultimately serves the one true God.

Practical Application

Revelation 22:9 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. In a world full of distractions and temptations to place ultimate value or adoration on created things—be it fame, wealth, human wisdom, or even spiritual experiences—this verse firmly redirects our focus. It calls us to:

  • Direct All Worship to God: Ensure that our praise, adoration, and ultimate devotion are reserved for God alone, as He is the only One worthy (Matthew 4:10).
  • Cultivate Humility in Service: Recognize that all spiritual gifts, positions, or insights are given for service to God and others, not for personal glory. We are all "fellowservants."
  • Prioritize Obedience to Scripture: Emphasize not just intellectual understanding, but active obedience to God’s revealed word, knowing that this is a defining characteristic of true believers.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:
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