What does Revelation 21:6 mean?

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:6

Explanation

Revelation 21:6 is a powerful and profound statement within the Christian New Testament, particularly within the book of Revelation, which is known for its apocalyptic imagery and prophecies about the end times. This verse offers a glimpse into the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

The speaker in the verse is God, identified by the titles “Alpha and Omega,” which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing that God is the beginning and the end, encompassing all of time and existence. The declaration “It is done” signifies the completion of a significant divine action or series of actions, likely referring to the establishment of a new heaven and new earth described earlier in Revelation 21.

The offer of the “water of life” is a metaphor for eternal life and salvation, which God provides without cost to those who are thirsty, symbolizing a deep spiritual need and desire for God. This concept also echoes themes of God’s grace and the free gift of salvation found throughout the Bible.

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Historical Context

The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John, traditionally thought to be John the Evangelist, while he was in exile on the island of Patmos. The text is dated around the end of the first century A.D., a time when the early Christian church was experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire.

Revelation addresses the churches in Asia Minor and provides encouragement, correction, and hope for the future. The apocalyptic literature style used in the book is characteristic of Jewish writings in a context of oppression, with symbolic language to convey hope that God will ultimately triumph over evil.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse encapsulates several key Christian doctrines:

• Divinity of Christ: The title “Alpha and Omega” is also applied to Jesus in the book of Revelation, reinforcing the Christian belief in the divinity of Christ and his eternal nature.

• Eschatology: This verse contributes to the Christian understanding of eschatology, the study of end times and final events, depicting the fulfillment of God’s promise to create a new, perfect reality for believers.

• Salvation: The “water of life” symbolizes the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that it is a free gift that cannot be earned through works. The prerequisite is the recognition of one’s own “thirst” and the acceptance of this divine offer.

Practical Applications

In daily life, believers may find solace and inspiration in this verse as it promises a final restoration and reward. It also serves as a reminder to live in anticipation of this future, to seek spiritual fulfillment in God, and to offer the message of salvation to others. The notion of the “water of life” can encourage individuals to find sustenance and refreshment in their spiritual practices and relationship with God.

Cross-References

• Revelation 22:13: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
• Revelation 22:17: “And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
• John 4:14: “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
• Isaiah 55:1: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Language Study

Two significant Greek terms in Revelation 21:6 are:

• “Alpha and Omega” (Ἄλφα καὶ Ὦ): As previously mentioned, these are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Beyond their literal meaning, they symbolize completeness and the eternal nature of God.

• “thirst” (διψῶν): This term is metaphorically used to represent a deep spiritual need or desire. In other contexts, physical thirst can signify a deep craving or necessity for water.

The phrase “It is done” (γέγοναν) is in the perfect tense in Greek, indicating a completed action with ongoing significance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The metaphor of water as a life-giving and cleansing element is common in many ancient cultures and religions. In ancient Mesopotamian myths, water often symbolizes rebirth and renewal, while in Hinduism, the Ganges River is considered sacred and purifying. In most of these contexts, water represents both a tangible and spiritual source of life and a means of purification.

The concept of a deity as the “first and last” or a “life-giver” is also found in various religious traditions. For example, in Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra was often considered the supreme creator.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly address scientific matters, interpreting water as a life-giving necessity finds support in our understanding of water as essential to all known forms of life on Earth. The idea of thirst for water is a universal physiological experience, highlighting the human need for hydration that is needed to maintain life.

The themes of a beginning and an end, embodied in the “Alpha and Omega,” can metaphorically align with scientific concepts such as the Big Bang theory and the ultimate fate of the universe, although these are purely physical beginnings and ends compared to the spiritual context of the verse.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Revelation 21:6:

• Matthew Henry: Henry sees this proclamation as a confirmation of the divine promises, emphasizing the certainty and comfort it provides to believers.

• John Wesley: Wesley notes the grandeur and completion of God’s works and how this verse solidifies the faithfulness of God’s promises.

• Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, and David Brown: In their commentary, they focus on the consolation and free invitation to salvation signified by the provision of the “fountain of the water of life.”

These commentaries often emphasize the eschatological significance of the verse and the profound comfort it offers to those who follow the Christian faith.

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