What does Revelation 22:17 mean?

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17

Explanation

Revelation 22:17 is a call for all who desire spiritual nourishment and eternal life to come and receive it freely. It portrays the Spirit (representing the Holy Spirit) and the bride (representing the church) as inviting people to respond to the Gospel. It echoes the universal and inclusive invitation for salvation as offered in the Gospel message. In essence, the verse is an open call for everyone to come and partake in the ‘water of life,’ a metaphor for the salvation and eternal life offered by Jesus Christ. The repetition of “come” emphasizes the urgency and importance of the invitation.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the Book of Revelation, which is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle John while in exile on the island of Patmos. Written in approximately 95 AD, the book is apocalyptic in nature and provides a vision of the end times and the coming of God’s kingdom. The historical context is one of persecution for early Christians, and the book served both as an encouragement and a prophetic text about God’s ultimate victory and invitation for salvation.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Revelation 22:17 is rich with meaning. It reflects themes of grace, as the invitation is to “whosoever will” – suggesting that salvation is not limited by race, status, or past transgressions, but is available to all who seek it. There is also an eschatological aspect as the book deals with the end times, and this verse can be seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity. Different Christian denominations may have varying interpretations of the “Spirit” and “bride,” some seeing these as symbolic, others as literal entities involved in the end times narrative.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as an inspiration for outreach, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and extending the invitation for faith to others. It can also be a source of comfort, reminding individuals that the offer of salvation is without cost and available to all. Furthermore, the verse encourages believers to be inclusive and welcoming, modeling their behavior on the open invitation expressed here.

Cross-References

• 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.”)
• Matthew 11:28 (“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”)

Language Study

Key words in this verse include “Spirit” (Greek: πνεῦμα, pneuma), meaning the Holy Spirit or the breath of God; “bride” (Greek: νύμφη, nymphi), symbolizing the collective people of God, or the church; and “water of life” (Greek: ὕδωρ ζωῆς, hydor zoes), a metaphor for the life-giving and sustaining message of the Gospel and the eternal life it offers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

There are parallels in other cultures and religious traditions of life-giving waters. For example, in Greek mythology, the waters of the river Lethe had the power to erase memories, while the waters from the fountain of Mnemosyne gave the gift of memory. In Hinduism, the sacred river Ganges is believed to purify and offer spiritual benefits to those who bathe in it. These cultural comparisons highlight the universal symbolism of water as something that has the power to renew and transform.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of “water of life” has no objective basis, as science focuses on the natural world and does not delve into metaphysical or religious interpretations of life and salvation. However, water is indeed essential for life, and its life-sustaining properties are universally recognized—a fact that gives the metaphorical language of the verse a firm grounding in the physical necessity of water for survival.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that the invitation to take of the water of life is the closing message of the Bible, highlighting the freeness of the Gospel.
• The ESV Study Bible explains how the Holy Spirit and the bride work together to give this invitation, reflecting the unity between God’s Spirit and the church in the mission of spreading the Gospel.
• The MacArthur Study Bible comments on the unconditional, free offer of salvation as represented by the imagery of the “water of life,” suggesting that this final call mirrors the open invitation found throughout Scripture.