What does Revelation 22:20 mean?

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Explanation

Revelation 22:20 is one of the final verses in the book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, which chronicles the vision of the apostle John regarding the end times and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The verse reads as a statement of affirmation by Jesus, who is the one “which testifieth these things,” declaring His imminent return with the word “quickly.” The word “Amen” that follows is an affirmation meaning “truly” or “so be it.”

This verse embodies the hope and anticipation of the Christian eschatological belief in the return (Parousia) of Jesus Christ. It brings a sense of urgency and expectancy to the reader, as it suggests that Christ’s return is near.

The latter part of the verse, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” is a response from the apostle John or the Christian community, expressing their eager longing for the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption and the establishment of His kingdom. This reflects the deep yearning for divine intervention and resolution to the tribulations faced by early Christians.

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, likely around 95-96 AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Christians during this time faced persecution and oppression under Roman authority for refusing to conform to the state religion that included emperor worship.

The book was addressed to the seven churches in Asia Minor and sought to encourage Christians to remain faithful amidst persecution, promising God’s ultimate victory over evil and the hope for a new heaven and a new earth.

Theological Insights

There are various theological viewpoints on the interpretation of Revelation and this verse in particular:

• Preterist View: This perspective holds that many of the prophecies of Revelation, including the Second Coming, have already taken place historically, specifically in the first century AD with the fall of Jerusalem and the Roman siege in 70 AD.

• Historicist View: Historicism interprets Revelation as a panoramic view of Church history from apostolic times to the Second Coming, with the return of Christ still future but imminent.

• Futurist View: This viewpoint sees the events of Revelation as mostly future, including the Second Coming of Christ. This verse is taken as a reassurance that, despite the delay, Christ will indeed come soon.

• Idealist View: The symbolic or spiritual interpretation sees Revelation as a timeless depiction of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, with the Second Coming symbolizing the ultimate triumph of good.

Practical Applications

This verse inspires Christians to live with a sense of anticipation and preparedness, as the return of Christ could occur at any time. It encourages believers to live righteously, to remain steadfast in faith, and to take comfort in the hope of Christ’s return, especially during trials and tribulations.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
• 1 Corinthians 16:22: “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”
• 2 Peter 3:10: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse and their meanings include:

• “testifieth” (μαρτυροῦντος, marturountos): to bear witness or testify, often referring to giving an account of divine truth.

• “Surely” (ναί, nai): truly or verily, a term of strong affirmation.

• “I come quickly” (ἔρχομαι ταχύ, erchomai tachu): “I come” (ἔρχομαι, erchomai) in the present tense indicates a continuous or imminent action, and “quickly” (ταχύ, tachu) refers to speed or swiftness, emphasizing imminence.

• “Amen” (ἀμήν, amēn): a Hebrew word transliterated into Greek, meaning truthfulness or certainty.

• “Even so” (ναί, nai): as above, used here to express agreement or desire for the stated action.

• “come” (ἔρχου, erchou): imperative form of “I come,” expressing a command or plea for action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This anticipation of a divine being’s return to Earth bears resemblance to various messianic expectations in other religions and mythologies. In some strands of Judaism, there is an expectation of the coming of the Messiah. In Islam, there is the belief in the future appearance of the Mahdi and the return of Jesus as a prophet during the end times.

Scientific Perspectives

The book of Revelation is rich with symbolic imagery and supernatural events that are not necessarily meant to be understood through a modern scientific lens. Science does not engage with the theological concept of Christ’s return, as it generally operates within the realm of the natural world and empirical evidence. However, the psychological impact and the societal behaviors inspired by such beliefs are areas of potential study from a sociological or anthropological perspective.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 22:20 offer diverse insights:

• Traditional Evangelical Commentators often emphasize the historical anticipation of the Church for the Second Coming and the personal application of being spiritually watchful and ready for Christ’s return.

• Critical Scholars might focus on the socio-political context of the verse, interpreting the “quickly” as a response to the immediate crisis faced by the early Christians, rather than a specific chronological prediction.

• Eschatological Commentaries could delve into various end-time theories, discussing the timeline and accompanying signs of the Second Coming as outlined in the rest of the book of Revelation and other eschatological scriptures.