What does Revelation 22:11 mean?

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11

Explanation

Revelation 22:11 is found in the closing chapter of the Bible and speaks to the finality of human conduct and character at the end of time. It conveys a sense of urgency and the inevitability of one’s choices. The verse can be read both literally and figuratively. Literally, it suggests that a person’s moral and spiritual condition will become permanent at a certain point—there will be no more opportunities for change. It reveals a time when the destiny of each person is fixed. On a deeper level, it also implies that despite the proclamation of judgment, individuals are still free to continue their behavior, whether righteous or wicked, but their choices will have eternal consequences.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written by the Apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, believed to be around AD 95-96. The early Christian community was experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire, and Revelation contains both encouragement and warning to its readers, with many symbols and visions pertaining to the end times. This particular verse comes towards the conclusion of the book, following a series of apocalyptic visions that unveil the ultimate triumph of God over evil.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret this verse in various ways:

• Predestinarian View: Some hold that this verse reflects the doctrine of predestination, suggesting that individuals’ fates are fixed by divine decree.
• Free Will View: Others see it as emphasizing the doctrine of free will and human responsibility, stating that every individual has the chance to choose their destiny, but by the time of final judgment, those choices become irreversible.
• Eschatological View: Many see this verse as a statement regarding the eschatology, the study of the end times, indicating a moment when salvation and judgment will be concluded.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in several ways:

1. Urgency: It reminds individuals of the importance of making right choices now, as there will be a time when no change is possible.
2. Responsibility: It can be a call to take personal responsibility for one’s actions and beliefs because they ultimately shape one’s eternal destiny.
3. Reflection: It could serve as a prompt for self-reflection, encouraging people to evaluate their current spiritual and moral state.

Cross-References

• Ecclesiastes 11:3 – “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.”
• Daniel 12:10 – “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”
• Matthew 25:46 – “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

Language Study

In studying the original Greek text, some key words stand out such as:

• “Unjust” (adikos) signifies someone who is not in right standing, or wrongful.
• “Filthy” (rhepo) can be interpreted as morally defiled or degraded.
• “Righteous” (dikaios) refers to one who is in accordance with what is right, or just.
• “Holy” (hagios) denotes someone set apart, sacred, or morally blameless.

The use of the imperatives “let him be” in Greek implies a sense of allowing or permitting the outcomes based on one’s character.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

From a comparative perspective, many ancient myths emphasize the idea of a final judgment or the solidification of one’s character in the afterlife. For instance, in ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of Maat judges the deceased’s actions by weighing their heart against a feather.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific discussions do not typically delve into final judgments or eschatology as they are spiritual and supernatural concepts that fall outside the scope of empirical science. However, psychology and neuroscience explore how habits and behaviors can become ingrained, which might serve as an analog to the theological idea of characters becoming fixed.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary points out the solemnity of this declaration in the context of God’s providence, suggesting that it is a “farewell” to those who persist in sin.
• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the judicial aspect of the verse, seeing it as God allowing humans to reap the consequences of their chosen path.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible suggest that the verse points to a time when a righteous God will cease to plead with the impenitent, and their character will be confirmed for eternity.