What does Revelation 22:9 mean?

Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Revelation 22:9

Explanation

Revelation 22:9 presents an encounter between John, the author of Revelation, and an angelic figure. John is overwhelmed by the revelation he receives and falls down to worship at the feet of the angel. The verse captures the angel’s immediate response, admonishing John not to do so. The angel identifies itself as a “fellowservant,” on the same level as John and his prophetic peers, and as one who keeps “the sayings of this book.” Instead of accepting worship, the angel redirects John’s impulse to worship God alone.

This interaction emphasizes a key doctrinal point within Christian theology: worship is due to God alone and not to angels or other created beings. It also underlines the importance of humility among messengers and servants of God, whether human or angelic. The deeper meaning here relates to the nature of divine revelation, which is supposed to point believers towards God, and not towards the messengers who deliver the message.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally believed to have been written by John the Apostle while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, likely around A.D. 95-96, near the end of the reign of Emperor Domitian. The book was written during a time when Christians were facing persecution, and its content is highly symbolic, filled with visions and prophecies concerning the end times and the return of Christ.

In the historical context of the first century A.D., Roman citizens were often expected to worship the Emperor as a god. Failing to do so could result in persecution—something that early Christians faced for exclusively worshiping the God of the Bible. Revelation was a book of hope and victory for these persecuted Christians, and it encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith.

Theological Insights

From different theological perspectives, this verse can be understood variously. In Protestant theology, it aligns with the concept of “sola Deo gloria,” meaning glory to God alone. In Roman Catholicism, while veneration of saints and angels is accepted, worship is reserved solely for God. The verse reminds adherents of both traditions that worship should be directed only to God.

In an eschatological context, this verse might suggest the closing of the prophetic era with the completion of the canon of Scripture, as Revelation is traditionally the last book of the Bible. It also reflects the idea of the priesthood of all believers, a principle which states that believers share equally in a holy calling and service to God, without hierarchical distinctions.

Practical Applications

This verse holds significant practical applications in contemporary faith practice. It calls believers to maintain focus on God as the sole object of worship. In everyday life, this translates to prioritizing a relationship with God over admiration for spiritual leaders or religious icons. It also teaches humility, as even angels refuse honor that is due only to God.

Furthermore, it is a reminder against idolatry, broadly understood not just as the worship of images, but as the elevation of any person, object, or concept to a divine status in one’s life. In practical terms, this might mean evaluating whether one’s allegiances, time, resources, and passions are appropriately ordered with respect to divine priorities.

Cross-References

• Revelation 19:10: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
• Isaiah 42:8: “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
• Acts 10:25-26: “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.”
• Deuteronomy 6:13: “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.”

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek are:

• “Fellowservant” (σύνδουλος, syndoulos): meaning co-servant or someone who serves alongside others.
• “Brethren” (ἀδελφών, adelphon): referring to brothers, emphasizing shared faith and lineage.
• “Prophets” (προφητῶν, prophētōn): messengers inspired by God to reveal His will.
• “Sayings” (λόγων, logōn): messages, or words, particularly those with strong importance.
• “Worship” (προσκύνησον, proskynēson): to pay divine honor, to adore or venerate.

Analyzing the original Greek language helps clarify that the term “worship” has connotations of divine honor, affirming that such reverence is due only to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of Greco-Roman religion, various beings, from gods to emperors, were regularly worshipped. Revelation’s admonishment to worship God alone stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic practices of the time.

Comparing this to other religious traditions, in Islam, the concept of “Tawhid” parallels the Christian idea by affirming the oneness of God and the prohibition against associating others with Him in worship. In Judaism, the Shema (“Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one.”) similarly emphasizes exclusive worship of the one God.

Scientific Perspectives

The discussion of Revelation 22:9 typically doesn’t intersect directly with scientific perspectives, as it deals more with questions of faith, worship, and the divine, which are outside the purview of science. However, insights from psychology might explore the human need for worship and the psychological effects of humbling oneself before something perceived as greater.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 22:9 often emphasize the impropriety of John’s action and the angel’s correction as significant. Matthew Henry’s commentary reflects on this event, stating that “the highest creatures are but God’s servants and our fellow-servants.” Similarly, The New International Commentary on the New Testament indicates that the angel’s rebuke provides a clear directive that God alone is to be worshipped. Modern biblical scholars like Craig S. Keener, in “The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament,” notes that the angel’s response highlights the monotheistic emphasis of Revelation in a world that was often prone to deify various beings and individuals.