Revelation 22:17
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This invitation appears among the closing words of Revelation, calling all who hear to come and receive the water of life freely.
What Does Revelation 22:17 Mean?
Revelation 22:17 is the Bible's great closing invitation, calling everyone who thirsts to come and freely receive the water of life. As the book draws to its end, a chorus of invitation rises. The Spirit and the bride -- the community of God's people -- together say "Come," and then everyone who hears the call is invited to echo it: "let him that heareth say, Come."
The invitation widens until it embraces all: "let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." The word "whosoever" sweeps away every barrier, opening the offer to anyone at all who desires it. The only qualification is thirst and willingness -- an awareness of need and the choice to come. The "water of life" pictures the satisfying, life-giving presence of God, and it is offered "freely," as a gift that cannot be bought or earned. After all the awesome visions of the book, this is how it nearly ends: not with a closed door but with an open, generous welcome. For every reader, this verse is deeply personal. The invitation is genuine and the offer is free. To anyone who feels the inner thirst that nothing else can satisfy, the answer is simple and gracious: come.
In the Original Language
"Come" is "erchomai" (ἔρχομαι), to come or approach. "Whosoever will" renders "ho thelon" (ὁ θέλων), the one who desires or is willing -- emphasizing genuine response.
Cross References
“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.”
- Isaiah 55:1
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”
- John 7:37
“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”
- Revelation 21:6
Application
This verse extends a genuine, open welcome to every person, inviting all who feel their inner thirst to come freely and receive the life God offers.