Revelation 22:12
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
King James Version (KJV)
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These are among Christ's closing words in the book, repeating the promise of His swift return and affirming that He will reward each person justly.
What Does Revelation 22:12 Mean?
Revelation 22:12 is Christ's announcement that He is coming soon, bringing reward to repay each person according to what they have done. The words "I come quickly" sound a note of urgency and certainty near the close of the book. His return is sure, and believers are to live in constant readiness, watchful and faithful.
He declares that "my reward is with me," picturing Christ arriving not empty-handed but bearing the recompense He will distribute. The phrase "to give every man according as his work shall be" affirms a consistent biblical truth: human actions matter, and there is genuine accountability before God. What people do with their lives -- their faithfulness, their love, their obedience -- is seen and will be answered. This is not a cold transaction but the assurance that nothing done for Christ is overlooked and nothing hidden escapes His just notice. For the faithful who have endured, it is a word of hope: their labor is not in vain, and reward awaits. For the wavering, it is a call to take their lives seriously in light of His coming. The verse keeps the believer alert, living each day in the light of the Lord who is surely on His way and who reckons faithfully with all.
In the Original Language
"Quickly" is "tachu" (ταχύ), soon, swiftly, without delay. "Reward" is "misthos" (μισθός), wages or recompense given in response to one's deeds.
Cross References
“Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.”
- Isaiah 40:10
“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.”
- Matthew 16:27
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:8
Application
This verse calls believers to live in faithful readiness, assured that Christ sees their labor and that nothing done for Him will be overlooked when He comes.