What does Revelation 22:12 mean?

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12

Explanation

Revelation 22:12 is part of the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation, which is presented as a vision given to the Apostle John concerning the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus Christ. In this particular verse, Jesus Christ is speaking and making a promise of His imminent return. He indicates that He will come quickly, and when He does, He will bring with Him the reward for each person based on what they have done. This emphasizes immediately that the second coming will be a time of judgment and recompense. The verse underscores a deeply rooted Christian belief in the final judgment, where individuals will be rewarded or punished according to their earthly actions.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written toward the end of the 1st century AD, during a time when Christians faced persecution under the Roman Empire. Revelation contains apocalyptic literature characterized by symbolic imagery, with the aim to offer hope to Christians suffering during this period by assuring them of God’s ultimate victory and the eventual establishment of His kingdom. The expectation of Christ’s return was a comforting and important doctrine, and the message of reward was both an encouragement for the righteous and a warning for others.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret Revelation 22:12 in various ways. Dispensationalists see this as a reference to the pre-millennial return of Christ and literal rewards in a physical kingdom. Amillennialists might interpret this verse as a symbolic representation of God’s providential care over history, with the “quickly” referring to the certainty of Christ’s return rather than its timing. Postmillennialists could view the reward as part of the progressive triumph of Christianity before Christ’s return. Regardless of eschatological views, the overarching theological insight is that God is just and sovereign, and He will recompense individuals according to their deeds.

Practical Applications

Revelation 22:12 can serve as a motivator for moral behavior and faithful service, reminding believers that God sees their struggles and will reward their faithfulness. It also calls for patient endurance, as the timing of Christ’s return is uncertain to humanity but certain in God’s plan. The verse can also encourage a reflective life, where individuals assess their actions and reorient themselves to live according to their faith beliefs, knowing that their deeds have eternal significance.

Cross-References

• Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
• Romans 2:6: “Who will render to every man according to his deeds:”

Language Study

The phrase “I come quickly” can be traced back to the Greek “ἔρχομαι ταχύ” (erchomai tachu), where “ταχύ” (tachu) signifies swiftness or speed. This term communicates the imminence of the action. The word “reward” is translated from the Greek word “μισθός” (misthos), which often refers to wages due for work done, indicating a compensation in accordance with one’s actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient beliefs, many cultures had concepts of judgment after death, where deeds determined one’s fate. For example, ancient Egyptian religion spoke of the weighing of the heart in the afterlife to decide one’s destiny. Similarly, in certain strands of Hinduism, the term “karma” deals with the principle that each action has corresponding consequences. These cultures all grapple with the idea of moral balance and recompense, albeit in different ways.

Scientific Perspectives

The Book of Revelation is allegorical and symbolic, so scientific perspectives do not typically apply to its content directly. However, studies in psychology and sociology acknowledge that belief in eventual justice or reward for one’s actions (sometimes referred to as the “just-world hypothesis”) can have profound effects on behavior, providing social stability and motivating ethical conduct.

Commentaries

Various scholars and theologians have commented on Revelation 22:12, viewing it through the lenses of eschatology, ethics, and pastoral care. Some emphasize the prophetic urgency in the announcement of Christ’s return, while others focus on the ethical implications of a final reckoning. Many commentaries note that the verse serves as a capstone to the messages of the entire book: divine justice, the hope of salvation, and the call to steadfast faith in anticipation of Christ’s coming.